Close the gender gap: improve business

The recent findings from a PwC UK report, ‘Women in Tech: Time to close the gender gap,' present a stark, yet sadly known reality: women are significantly underrepresented in the technology workforce.

Holding only 23% of STEM roles across the UK, 16.5% of engineering roles, and a miniscule 5% in tech leadership positions, this underrepresentation of women isn’t only a social issue, it's also a dilemma for businesses – because lack of original thought and lived experiences stifle innovation, limits technological advancement, and restricts potential increased profits.

The report further illuminates that only 15.8% of engineering and technology undergraduates are women – a statistic that is beginning to impact industry. It also indicates that there are societal and educational barriers deterring young women from pursuing careers in these fields.

The pay gap is an elephant in the room, with PwC’s ‘Women in Work Index’ reporting that inthe UK, for every £1 a man earns, a woman will earn 90p.

Statistics such as this do nothing to encourage women to enter the industry.

The Fawcett Society reports that there are some simple yet effective steps that employers can take to close the pay gap:

• Ending salary history to avoid perpetuating gender, race, and disability pay inequality
• Implementing flexible working by default
• Offering clear and transparent routes to progression
• Encouraging men to take up parental leave
• Tackling workplace sexual harassment through legal measures

Why is closing the gender gap in tech important?

Closing the gender gap allows people the safety to join a team and feel like a valid and equal member, which inherently fosters a diverse culture and diverse teams are not only fairer; they are also more innovative, creative, and reflective of the wide range of consumer needs.

Incorporating a myriad of ideas and perspectives means the tech industry can develop more comprehensive solutions that serve a broader audience and address complex problems with more nuanced and innovative approaches.

Also, could the lack of confidence among girls in their capabilities to succeed in high-paid tech roles be a reflection of the societal narratives that have long dictated gender roles and expectations, and not a reflection of their potential.

United efforts are vital to healing industry

To bridge this gap, concerted efforts must be made at multiple levels – education and awareness are vital to be able to move forwards.

Encouraging girls from a young age to engage with STEM subjects and showcasing the exciting opportunities within the tech sector can change perceptions and aspirations, and those young girls who might have otherwise thought that STEM isn’t a career path for them could instead realise that there is a whole world to explore, and that they can make a difference that is welcomed and valued. They matter.

Also, it’s important for boys to see from a young age that girls can do it too. It isn’t taboo. It isn’t out of the ordinary. It’s just a person who has chosen a career they are passionate about, and they are now working in that career.

Women are wanted

It’s not enough for education to exist in isolation, because young girls are receptive to their peers, so showcasing female role models and representation in tech is equally crucial. Seeing women, just like them, in leadership and technical roles can inspire the next generation and reinforce the message that women not only belong in tech: they are wanted.

In the workplace, companies must understand how to create an inclusive environment that not only welcomes women but also supports their growth and advancement. Policies that promote work-life balance, mentorship programmes, and opportunities for professional development can help retain women in tech careers and encourage their progression into leadership roles.

As we mark International Women's Day, it's a call to action for everyone involved in the tech industry – from educators to employers, policymakers to professionals – to commit to making the sector more accessible and equitable for women.

Closing the gender gap in tech is a necessity that will drive innovation, enhance competitiveness, and ensure the technology sector reflects and serves the diversity of society.

Let's harness this occasion to advocate for change, celebrate the achievements of women in tech, and work towards a future where gender disparity is a relic of the past.