Aren’t We All Aware Of Gender [In] Equality In The Tech Industry? Let’s Delve Deep Into It
One cannot hold the system solely responsible for it. Then what are the factors that contribute to this significant gender gap in industries like tech?
The nations are still working on a mission to uplift women and create a balanced community of all genders. It is thus absurd to expect that there would exist gender equality in industries like technology, mechanics and chemicals. But, is there any data to support the same?
Well, yes and no. There is definitely data that shows the quantifiable statistics of gender inequality in the tech industry. However, as in most situations, the gap extends beyond quantifiable data as well.
According to a recent report by the World Economic Forum, 57% of women have been subjected to gender discrimination in the tech industry as compared to 10% of men, globally. It was also found that 11% of women were unsure and 6% preferred not to answer. It was no surprise when almost 48% women stated that discrimination still prevails when it comes to their technical competence. This article by the World Economic Forum will shed more insight on the statistics.
When discussing inequality in terms of pay scale, it was again no surprise that women had a higher dissatisfaction here. Unequal pay has long prevailed in most industries and the tech industry is no exception for sure. Click here to read our recent article on the unequal pay concern.
Now, this prevalent concern is not a consequence of a thing or two. Multiple factors, tangible and intangible, contribute to gender inequality in the tech sphere. What possibly could be a few? Read ahead to find out.
Why Does Gender Inequality Still Prevail In The Tech Industry?
Well, sure stereotypes do contribute to the cause but there is more to it.
1. Disparity in education level
While things are changing for the better, there still remains a significant gap in the ratio of men & women pursuing a tech career. Blame it on predefined notions or call it a lack of interest, the number of women in the field of technology is still very low.
2. Interest in the subjects
When it comes to interest, it is no secret that a majority of women shy away from all things technological. In order to deal with this, it is important to curb the stigma that technology is not the most desirable career choice for women.
3. Payscale and negotiations
Every statistic shows that women in tech are compensated way less than their male colleagues. This disparity has prevailed since the beginning of the era and would continue to exist until women actively take charge.
In another recent study, it was found that not many women who choose to make a career in tech, negotiate their salaries. It can be due to lack of confidence, doubt on their competence or even unfriendly reciprocation from the organization’s end.
4. Burnout
Studies have shown that women technologists have reported a higher percentage of burnout due to their jobs as compared to the male technologists. The greatest contributors to such burnouts according to them were the workload and the hours of work. Now, with the whole COVID-19 stress, the situations have only gone south.
With all this and more, it is now time to make the tech industry more inclusive (effectively). It is unfair to expect this change if we women do not actively participate in it. Shying away from all things technological is not helping, especially in a future where technology will lead the world.
Organizations are consciously taking steps towards stress management for employees. Education systems are encouraging the participation of women in tech courses. Policies are being amended and revised to ascertain safety and workable environments for women. It is now we who need to ditch the predefined notions and believe in our capabilities.
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