Tech Knows No Gender

This International Women’s Day, I attended Winthrop Australia’s Women in Code Workshop, where a cohort of young female coders gathered to learn Swift UI.

I learnt so much from the young women, particularly their concerns about entering the tech industry.

It can’t be ignored that a lot of the questions the young women had about working in tech revolved around stereotypes; gender diversity; flexible work and opportunities for career advancement.

These young coders were very aware of the lack of diversity present in the industry and were already considering the impact it would have on them and their career.

This is understandable as by 18 months of age children understand gender stereotypes. The impact of this understanding appears later in development. A 2017 study found that six-year-old girls are more likely to associate intelligence with boys while perceiving their own gender as less intelligent. This perception influences young girls to discontinue participating in activities they perceive as reserved for ‘intelligent people.’ The difference in perception can be attributed to gendered stereotypes that infiltrate girls’ perception of their abilities, affecting their likelihood to participate in certain activities from a young age.

This is supported by the data; only 24% of year 12 girls are enrolled in information and technology, compared to 65% enrolled in biological sciences. Similarly, only 25% of women complete a degree in information technology. Low enrolment and retention is influenced by gender stereotypes; a lack of career security; no flexible work arrangements and no female role models.

The lack of female role models influences girls’ perceptions that they are capable of working in STEM. Similarly, barriers such as educator and parents perceptions that some STEM careers are more suitable to men than women, impacts girls attrition and retention in STEM. The impact of gender stereotypes and a lack of role models influences the trajectory of young women in STEM, contributing to gender inequality in the tech industry.

The imbalance

Gender inequality is a systemic issue, and the data shows us that gender stereotypes start at an early age and the impact is wide.

Events like this where industry role models engage in dialogue with young people to not only share a day-in-a-life but to also understand young people’s concerns about entering that sector are important.

We know that representation matters; young women need to see that a career in technology is possible. Especially as the number of young women coming up is small. Over the past two decades there’s been a 2% increase in the growth of female software developers. Most young women enter the industry between the ages of 25–30. What’s concerning is that 50% leave by the time they’re 35. Barriers and challenges, such as caregiving responsibilities or working part time impact women up-skilling or re-skilling, as well as maintaining their professional network, which are important for career progression.

We’ve got a small window of opportunity to attract women into the industry and a large retention issue. The data shows us that employing more women and women occupying leadership roles has a positive impact on business performance. According to the BCEC WGEA Gender Equity Insights 2020 report, appointing a female CEO translates into a “12.9% increase in the likelihood of outperforming the sector on three or more metrics”. So, it’s important that we have pathways for women into tech and for women to stay in tech.

Making a change

While the data is not looking great for women in technology, it should not deter young women from entering and staying in the industry. Change does not happen by watching from the side-lines.

Get involved

Whether that’s by asking to be on interview panels so they are gender balanced; working with recruiters to make sure you’re receiving female candidates for traditionally male dominated roles; mentor up and down; promote yourself on LinkedIn and at events; and get involved with outreach programs in schools to encourage and support the next generation coming through. There is so much that we can do at an individual level to help shift the dial.

With that said, it is not just on us as individuals. There are community events, programs, and opportunities to support women in tech, connect them with other likeminded people and with industry.

This is why industry supported events such as Winthrop Australia’s Women in Code Workshop along with events and programs run by Purposeful, Women in Tech[+] WA and She Codes Australia are so important for young women to see other women be successful and supported in the tech industry.

Along with this, women of all ages need mentors.

Mentors

Mentors play a role in representation and retention. Feeling supported, engaged, backed, and guided at all levels is important. Not only to be guided during tough moments but to also be celebrated and promoted.

There are many ways you can find a mentor. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Check out WiWTA’s role model page.
• Join ADPlist to find a mentor.
• Take a mentor walk around Perth.
• Check out Inspire Stem or Get Forum hosted by Curtin University.
• Join Australian Graphic Design Association (ADGA) mentorship program.

Finding or being a mentor does not need to be formalised. Mentors can be someone that you frequently reach out to; get along with or feel comfortable to confide in as well someone that you admire in your industry.

If you can mentor other women, I encourage you to do it and to positively shape the next generation of young people coming through.

Alternative tech roles

Coding is one part of working in tech. Just like we need a diversity of people, we need a diversity of skill in the industry. So, if coding is not your jam (as it is not mine), then I encourage you to consider another role in the tech industry. Other roles that are not software development include:

• User Experience Design (UX)
• User Interface Design (UI)
• Project Managers
• Business Analysts
• Scrum Masters
• Product Owners
• Quality Assurance (QA testers)

Final thoughts

The data on gender inequality is sobering. While it is a systemic and prevalent issue, understanding what contributes to gender inequality empowers us to facilitate change, paving the way for an equitable and representative future in the tech industry.

Lastly, to the young women who attended Winthrop Australia’s Women in Code Workshop and inspired this blog — thank you! The future is bright with you as the next generation of women coming through.