Breaking Barriers: The Role of Women and Girls in Science and IT

12 February 2025- The International Day of Women and Girls in Science serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of encouraging and empowering women to pursue careers in fields that have long been dominated by men, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Despite progress toward gender equality, women continue to face significant challenges in accessing and excelling in these industries. From deeply rooted stereotypes to systemic barriers, young females often struggle to secure decent employment compared to their male counterparts.

According to Statistics South Africa (STATS SA), young women face higher unemployment rates than young men, highlighting the gender disparities that persist in the job market. In 2024, the absorption rate for young men was 31.9%, while that of young women lagged behind at 24.2%. The unemployment rate for young females stood at a staggering 49.4% (STATS SA, 2024). These statistics are alarming and underscore the importance of targeted interventions to close the gender gap in employment, particularly in STEM fields.

The Gender Divide in STEM Careers

Historically, women have been underrepresented in science and technology fields, with gender imbalances stemming from various factors such as stereotypes, societal expectations, and unequal access to education and mentorship. Fields such as engineering, information technology (IT), and artificial intelligence (AI) remain largely male-dominated, reinforcing the notion that these are "boy fields." This division is rooted in early childhood education and societal conditioning, where boys are often encouraged to explore STEM-related toys and activities, while girls are steered toward social sciences, caregiving roles, and the arts.

The stigma surrounding so-called "boy fields" versus "girl fields" continues to discourage many young women from pursuing careers in STEM. Women in technology, for instance, often face biases that question their technical abilities or leadership skills. Breaking down these stereotypes is crucial to creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce, where women feel empowered to explore and excel in fields traditionally dominated by men.

One of the most significant areas where the gender gap remains pronounced is in Information Technology (IT). As the world rapidly evolves into the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), it is essential that women and girls are equipped to actively participate in shaping this new digital era. With industries increasingly integrating automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics, a skilled workforce in IT and related fields is more crucial than ever. However, the underrepresentation of women in the IT sector threatens to limit the full potential of this technological revolution.

The Digital Divide and Access to Opportunities

A major barrier that continues to exclude women from STEM fields is the digital divide. This term refers to the gap between those who have access to modern digital technologies—such as computers, high-speed internet, and tech education—and those who do not. In many parts of the world, women, particularly those from marginalized communities, lack access to digital resources that would allow them to develop essential IT skills.

In South Africa, the digital divide is not just a matter of infrastructure but also socioeconomic disparities that disproportionately affect women. Many young girls from underprivileged backgrounds lack the opportunity to engage with computers, coding, and other digital literacy programs at a young age, putting them at a disadvantage when entering IT-related careers. Bridging this gap requires targeted initiatives that provide access to affordable technology, internet connectivity, and digital skills training for young women and girls.

Women in Senior Management: Leading by Example

Encouragingly, a growing number of black women are breaking barriers and assuming leadership roles in these industries. At Sparrow FET, our senior management team comprises accomplished women who lead by example, proving that gender does not define leadership potential. The presence of women in senior management positions serves as an important source of inspiration for young girls aspiring to enter these fields.

When young women see successful female role models leading technology firms, engineering companies, and scientific research institutions, they are more likely to envision themselves in similar positions.

The Role of Institutions Like Sparrow FET

One institution actively working to bridge the gender gap in IT and other technical fields is Sparrow FET. This institution plays a crucial role in equipping young women with practical skills necessary to thrive in the modern workforce. By offering specialized programs in back-end and front-end development, Sparrow FET provides learners with hands-on training that prepares them for real-world applications in IT.

The institution’s curriculum is designed to reflect the evolving needs of the tech industry, ensuring that students are not only familiar with programming languages but also understand concepts like user interface (UI) design, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Sparrow FET also fosters a growth mindset, encouraging students to continuously adapt to emerging technologies and industry trends.

For women, upskilling in IT is not just an option—it is a necessity. With AI, machine learning, and automation reshaping job markets, gaining expertise in digital tools is essential for long-term career success. Programs at Sparrow FET ensure that young women gain confidence, technical knowledge, and industry exposure to compete effectively in the workforce.

See Success Story of FET Alumni Here:

Breaking the Cycle of Gender Inequality

Empowering women and girls in STEM—particularly in IT—goes beyond individual career success; it is about fostering systemic change that ensures the benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution are accessible to all. Creating an inclusive environment where women can thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics requires collaboration between educational institutions, private industries, and policymakers.

Here are some key actions that can help drive this change:

• Encouraging STEM education for girls: Schools must actively promote science and technology programs for young girls from an early age, dismantling gender biases that suggest IT and engineering are "male fields."
• Providing mentorship opportunities: Successful women in tech and science should mentor and guide aspiring female professionals, helping them navigate the challenges of working in male-dominated industries.
• Ensuring equal access to digital resources: Closing the digital divide means making affordable internet and technology more accessible, especially in rural and underserved areas.
• Championing women in leadership: More organizations must prioritize gender diversity in management, ensuring that women of color have a seat at the table in STEM-related industries.
• Challenging workplace biases: Companies must adopt policies that support women in the workforce, including equal pay, parental leave, and workplace protections against discrimination.

Shaping the Future for Women in STEM

The International Day of Women and Girls in Science is more than just a celebration of achievements—it is a call to action to address the systemic inequalities that continue to hinder women in STEM fields. Breaking down stereotypes, closing the digital divide, and supporting women in senior management roles are crucial steps toward a more inclusive future.

Sparrow FET play an invaluable role in preparing young women for careers in IT and equipping them with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital economy. By ensuring that women and girls have access to education, mentorship, and leadership opportunities, we can create a future where the tech industry is diverse, innovative, and inclusive.

The future is digital—and women must be at the forefront of this transformation.