Despite notable strides toward gender parity in the IT industry, women still face significant barriers in career advancement, workplace visibility, and compensation.
The IT industry is making strides toward gender parity, with pay raises for male and female professionals converging, according to recent surveys. However, significant challenges remain in achieving full equity, particularly in career advancement and workplace visibility.
Despite more women stepping into leadership roles and benefiting from workplace flexibility, the surveys highlight persistent issues like gender bias, limited opportunities for promotions, and inequalities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and cybersecurity fields. Studies reveal that women in tech continue to face hiring and advancement barriers, despite possessing skills equal to their male counterparts.
“It’s exciting to see the growing interest among women in exploring and pursuing careers in technology, especially compared to when I first entered the field over 20 years ago,” said Raluca Rusu, CEO of R Systems Europe. “I started as a software developer for a media company, and there weren’t many other women in the same shoes as me at the time. I had to learn, test boundaries, and grow over the years to become CEO of R Systems’ European operations.”
Gender bias continues to be a significant challenge in the technology industry, according to Rusu. “There is still often the tendency to consider women less skilled for technical roles, which is why women feel the need to work more to prove themselves,” she said.
Hope Wang, senior technical marketing manager at Alluxio, added, “As an Asian woman in tech, I’ve witnessed firsthand the barriers women face in STEM fields, both in education and work.”
Wang is optimistic about women achieving greater parity in the tech industry, as AI tools are emerging as powerful equalizers.
“The journey toward equality continues, but I’m optimistic about how the AI revolution, which GenAI accelerates, is democratizing access to technical education by lowering entry barriers that have historically kept diverse voices out,” she said. “AI tools are becoming great equalizers, opening doors for women to learn, create, and innovate on their own terms.”
A look at history underscores the resilience of women in STEM, who have long overcome obstacles to make groundbreaking contributions. As the industry evolves, continued efforts are needed to create inclusive, equitable environments where women in IT can thrive.
“Women tend to exclude themselves from growth opportunities,” Rusu said. “I have seen and experienced firsthand how women often feel the need to prepare more and gather more experience before they ask for promotions.”
When that happens, organizations miss out on the advantages of having women in leadership positions. “There are many benefits from having women at the leadership level in our industry,” she said. “From my experience, women leaders are specifically recognized for creating growth opportunities, offering strong mentorship, and fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for their teams. That leads to increased creativity, productivity, and good customer relationships.”
ITPro Today recognizes the importance of increasing female representation in tech and the steps needed to achieve greater parity. To mark International Women’s Day (March 8), we’ve curated a collection of stories highlighting the opportunities and challenges faced by women in IT:
Closing the Gender Pay Gap in IT: A Step Closer to Clinking Champagne Glasses
According to ITPro Today’s 2024 IT Salary Survey Report, the IT industry is experiencing a shift toward greater gender parity, as data shows a notable convergence in pay raises between male and female professionals. While this trend is encouraging, significant challenges remain to achieving full gender equity in IT. From salaries and overall compensation to job satisfaction, this report provides an in-depth analysis of the differences between male and female IT professionals.
Women in Tech: Progress Made, Barriers Remain
More women are stepping into leadership roles and benefiting from workplace flexibility. However, according to two recent surveys, challenges like gender bias, career advancement hurdles, and visibility in hybrid work environments persist.
Beyond Diversity Training: The Real Challenges for Women in Tech
Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) has become a focal point in corporate training, but women are more than just a checkbox in an educational curriculum. While corporate programs highlight female workers and diversity, the tangible impact remains underwhelming, writes Carrie Goetz, best-selling author of “Jumpstart Your Career in Data Centers Featuring Careers for Women, Trades, and Vets in Tech and Data Centers.”
Beyond a Bunch of Guys: How One IT Company Boosted Women’s Representation
Regulatory technology firm REGnosys recognized that its lack of women employees was both wrong and bad for business. Here are the measures it took to increase female representation.
Women in STEM Battle Pay Inequality, Quiet Promotions
There continues to be persistent gender disparities in pay and promotions, according to a survey of 600 women working in STEM fields. The survey revealed that 1 in 10 women in STEM are aware of being paid less than their male counterparts, with another third suspecting they are being paid less, highlighting an ongoing gender pay gap.
Women in Cybersecurity Face Barriers to Hiring, Advancement
A survey of over 1,000 participants underscores the pressing need for more inclusive work environments in cybersecurity as women continue to face barriers in recruitment, hiring, retention, and career advancement. Experts share insights and strategies to promote gender equality in the industry.
Women in IT Security Lack Opportunities, Not Talent
Another women in cybersecurity study, this one surveying nearly 400 Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) members, found that while female IT professionals in cybersecurity possess skills equal to their male counterparts, they continue to encounter barriers to career advancement and opportunities.
A History of Trailblazing Women in STEM
Throughout history, women have been instrumental in advancing science, mathematics, astronomy, and information technology, often overcoming significant barriers and discrimination. Here are 10 trailblazing women who made groundbreaking contributions to STEM fields.
Read more HERE