A recent global survey has revealed persistent gender biases affecting women in the technology sector, with 63 per cent of female respondents reporting that such biases negatively impact their professional environments and opportunities.
The survey, conducted between 18 April and 8 May 2018, gathered insights from over 500 women working in technology across various regions including the UK, Ireland, and the US. The findings underscore the problematic nature of gender disparity within the industry, where many women feel their contributions are undervalued or overlooked.
A substantial 75 per cent of respondents indicated that equal pay is crucial for encouraging more women to join the technology sector. This sentiment echoes broader national concerns, as highlighted by the UK Government’s Gender Pay Gap Survey, which reveals that women, on average, are paid less than their male counterparts across all sectors.
Additionally, 43 per cent of the respondents identified a lack of female role models as a significant challenge. Despite these issues, over half of the women surveyed noted an increase in female representation in tech roles over the past five years. The survey also found that 88 per cent of women believe that a ‘desire to learn’ is vital for success in the tech industry, while 67 per cent feel that making a positive impact within their organisations and the wider industry is the most rewarding aspect of their careers.
The findings have been described by industry voices as a call to action for more substantial efforts towards gender diversity in technology. Sarah Lewis, an ambassador for Women in Tech, stated, “While it is incredible to see that there are so many more women working in the technology industry than ever before, the report highlights what we have been told anecdotally for years: more needs to be done in order to encourage gender diversity in technology. Women need to be taken seriously and be paid the same as their male counterparts in order to ensure the continued growth and diversity of the tech sector.”
The survey’s findings highlight the urgent need for addressing gender biases and ensuring fair pay in the technology sector. Establishing equality in pay and promoting female role models are essential steps for fostering a more inclusive and diverse industry.
