ARE FEMALES UNDER REPRESENTED IN TECH?

One answer could be “the broken rung” Women remain underrepresented in software engineering and computer related jobs.

Global research shows women in tech statistics shed light on the causes and effects of the gender gap in the technology business. Only 25% of computing jobs are held by women. The percentage of female STEM graduates is about 19%. Women leave the tech industry at a 45% higher rate than men.

What leads to the low representation of women in tech?

The death of women in tech positions is often attributed to a lack of enthusiasm for technology-oriented subjects at the graduation level and high dropouts. Apart from that, unfairness or mistreatment within a work environment is also cited to be a major reason why women do not continue their careers in this sector.

The most female-dominated majors are Social Work Healthcare, Administration, Anthropology, Nursing and Human Resources whilst the male dominated occupation/fields are Commercial and industrial designers. Marketing managers, Management analysts, Producers and directors, Chemists which are all tech savvy jobs.

But as of 2022 even with efforts to increase diversity and inclusion, the technology industry remains a maledominated field. At large global technology firms, women account for about 33% of the workforce in 2022.

We can go on to ask why is itimportant to include women in tech Why is it important to includewomen in technology?

Having more women in tech can fosterthe growth of women-related tech products. The men in tech are lesslikely to design products notassociated with them. But women with tech skills can help make tech productsmore balanced. For instance, voicerecognition systems need to portray male and female voices.

We can not argue that gender affects the use of technology, Among thegeneral population, sex and genderhave played a significant role in determining the intention of acceptingnew technology. Additionally, menwere more adept at using technology, specifically devices such as computers,email services and electronic datamanagements.

In the beginning of my career till nowmost of the working environment Ihave been, I am mostly surrounded by men who sometimes think as a digitalmarketer, I am likely to under performmy duties unless am monitored by amale colleague as my supervisor .

I believe the movement for “women in tech” is stuck. I can’t say definitively what it is asking for, but if it wants to elevate women because of their gender instead of their skills, If you want women to feel more welcome in tech, stop using the term

Steps to boost women’s digital power and involvement in te chnology should include:

• Integrating digital literacy skills into women’s programming. This should go beyond simple introductions to technological devices and platforms to learning how to use them strategically to best support their efforts.

• Supporting and funding programs that help women develop technology-based businesses or organizations.

• Advocating for women’s use, access to technology and social media where it may be restricted. Attention should be paid to communities that hinder women’s use due to economic or social standards; these are the communities where women could benefit from its power the most.

Article by Victoria Chidarikire is the founder of Darik Solutions Zimbabwe an I.T , Web and Marketing Solutions Private Company currently working as an advanced Digital Marketer & WebDeveloper studying towards her CyberSecurity Systems Management studyingwith IBM South Africa