Women Lack Representation in Tech, What Are Our Options?

In 2021, it’s no secret that the tech industry is booming. In fact, the United States’ $1.6 trillion share of the industry is expected to reach $5 trillion by the end of the year. With such a staggering estimation of growth, why isn’t there a match in growth when it comes to the number of women represented within tech?

Despite the fact that women hold 57% of all jobs in the workforce as of 2017, they only make up around 25% of GAFAM’s (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft) employees as of 2021. When we’ve only seen a 2% growth in female software engineers within the last 21 years, it makes us wonder how such a wide gap could possibly closed? How do we get more women into tech?

Give Women Positions of Leadership Within Technology Sectors

Less than 20% of women hold positions in leadership within tech. By giving women the opportunity to speak for the company and themselves, they have the chance to advocate for women who may not have otherwise had a voice.

Realize that Women Are an Investment Worth Making

Fortune 500 Companies with 3 or more women in leadership positions saw an average 66% increase in ROI. It’s worth the investment to have diverse voices on your team. Not only will it diversify your culture, it could also help your bottom line.

Encouragement and Representation Matters

As players in tech become increasingly more visible, especially through social media, it’s crucial that those with a platform are representative of what the future of tech should be. Positive female role models can give our next generation of women in technology a chance to see themselves in successful professionals.

Cultivate an Inclusive Workplace Culture

Allowing opportunities for feedback can give employers the chance to reevaluate the culture surrounding women in the workplace. 36% of female tech employees say that there has been no effort put forth by employers to close the gender gap within their companies. When employers take this feedback seriously, the workplace becomes a more hospitable place for women to flourish.

Taking these initiatives to create spaces for women in tech will inevitably lead to a more diverse and accommodating workforce for everyone, not just women. If tech can take the lead on including women, everyone else in STEM is sure to follow.  

For more information on BSI Solutions, Inc. visit us at www.bsisnc.com.