Bridging the Gender Gap in Tech: Insights from The Next Generation
In an era where technology saturates every aspect of life, the representation of women in the tech industry is still disproportionately low. We are quite proud of our personal track record when it comes to placing outstanding female talent. However, something we have no influence over is the fact that there just aren’t enough female candidates in the market.
We recently held an event with Tech Career Paths 4 Girls, aimed at exploring solutions and sharing insights into overcoming gender diversity challenges in tech, while also providing a platform for voices that are often unheard in the industry; the young girls who represent its future.
Emma Pudney, a passionate advocate for gender diversity in tech, shared her journey from the corporate world to launching the Tech Career Paths 4 Girls program aimed at introducing girls to technology. She highlighted the importance of "overcoming some of the key challenges...like role models, stereotypes, approach to tech education, and timing," aiming to tailor tech education to meet girls where they are, making technology more accessible and appealing to them.
Reshaping Tech Stereotypes and Tech Pathways
The heart of the event was a panel of young girls, Jemima, Alia, and Natalie, who shared their aspirations and experiences. From dreams of acting and data science to mathematics, their diverse interests underscore the potential in young girls that often goes untapped due to stereotypes and lack of exposure to tech.
Addressing the stereotypes that influence girls' perception of tech, Alia noted, "when I think of like a stereotypical gamer, I think of a boy... and when most people think of tech, that's what they think of." This underscores the stereotype-driven barriers girls face in envisioning themselves in tech roles.
Reflecting on the transformative impact of the Tech Career Paths 4 Girls program, the girls shared a newfound understanding of tech's possibilities. "What I thought was sitting in a cold, dark room... but now I realise there's a lot more opportunities in tech," shared Natalie.
Insights from Industry Leaders on Role Models, Stereotypes, and Women in Tech
We then heard from industry leading experts; Ian Grant, Wendy Glasgow, Andrew Sladen, and Emma Pudney who continued delving deeper into the impacts of role models, stereotypes, and biases on young women's engagement in technology fields. The importance of visibility and representation of female role models in tech was a central theme, echoing the need for young girls to see achievable pathways in STEM careers.
Wendy highlighted a significant problem: the scarcity of well-known female CTOs or iconic figures in technology, stressing how this absence affects young girls' ability to envision themselves in tech roles. She also touched on the critical role of diverse role models beyond gender, noting the lack of racial diversity in tech.
The panel shared personal anecdotes to illustrate how stereotypes and biases have tangible effects on women's careers in tech, from undermining their capabilities based on appearance to the need for women to prove their worth more than their male counterparts. Emma shared a striking statistic that “one in five men in technology believe women are not as well-suited for tech role,” highlighting the pervasive nature of these biases.
Lastly, the panel was asked about the barriers women face in tech and leadership roles, and practical suggestions for fostering a more inclusive environment. The speakers acknowledged systemic issues, such as unconscious bias and the stereotype that leadership traits are inherently masculine. They suggest actions to support women, including mentorship, development plans, and the importance of visibility in leadership roles for women. Notable key actions included:
Recognition of Bias and Stereotypes: Acknowledging personal biases and stereotypes is crucial. Efforts to consciously address and overcome these biases can lead to fairer treatment and evaluation of women in not only tech but other industries.
Corporate Diversity and Inclusion Programs: While these programs can be beneficial, their success heavily depends on the genuine support from leadership, adequate resources, and a sincere commitment to implementing change rather than just ticking boxes for appearances.
Addressing the Gender Pay Gap: A significant factor contributing to the gender pay gap is the underrepresentation of women in senior roles. Encouraging women to pursue leadership positions, recognising their strengths, and providing clear development pathways are vital steps.
Promotion and Leadership Progression: There's a need to challenge the notion that leadership qualities are masculine by default. Encouraging a more inclusive view of leadership that values teamwork and collective success can help more women envision themselves as leaders.
Supportive Leadership: Creating an environment where teamwork and collective achievement are valued over competitive, winner-takes-all approaches can help women thrive in leadership positions. Women's natural strengths in team-oriented leadership should be leveraged and celebrated.
Watch the highlights of our event below:
Both discussions highlighted the challenges facing gender diversity in tech but also showcased the effective steps being taken to address them. Through education, mentorship, and the breaking down of stereotypes, we can pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse tech industry.
While breaking down these barriers is not just about increasing female representation in tech but also about fostering an environment where diverse talents are recognised, valued, and nurtured.
The perceptions shared by the young girls serve as a call to action for educators, industry leaders, and policymakers to strengthen their efforts in supporting the next generation of young female tech leaders.
If you are interested in progressing your career within the Technology & Digital space or you want to build the team you need, you can reach Jake on jake.rose@allurapartners.com.au
