Does the terminology, “Women in tech” make you itch to say, “Women and girls can’t make a difference in tech,” or “women are not wired or born with an affinity to be a techie,” or “Tech is for men only?” These are literally the hearsays contaminating the waste ocean of opportunities for women even before they have access to it.
Implying that women in tech is an exact reflection on society – where the gender gap is on an endless streak of expansion. According to a study “Quantifying the Gender Gap”, women account for only 16% of senior level tech jobs and 10% of executive positions. These statistics not only serve poorly at a representational level but also puts half of the population on the back foot of the industry by limiting their access and dreams to even try and pursue becoming a techie! Is it not then appropriate to say women in tech is more of a burden than a blessing? Let us find out!!
How does losing out on 20 lakhs every minute from the country’s potential economy feel like? Shocking and frustrating at the same time, isn’t it? Apparently, that is the cost we bear when a woman engineer drops out of the race! As an economy it is indeed a very heavy price, we are paying due to orthodox social norms, family responsibility, discouragement, and other environmental factors.
If we compare the “then versus now,” differences can be spotted at a micro level where women and girls are studying in STEM fields, utilizing technology for personal and minimal professional use, communication, entertainment purposes etc. But at macro level where decision making, leading, researching and policy making happen only a hand full of women present. In order to capacitate equal number of women in STEM fields, specifically technology we must strum the strings in a way that does not leave the society stung.
The theory of the string and the stung reminds us of the fact that women tech is still a stereotype, barring them from advancement and skills that are extremely pivotal to survive today and in the future. The future that promises automation, privacy, artificial intelligence on flex 360 degrees. Eventually leaving half of humanity way behind time and even more dependent on men. The proof of which is seen via statistics and environmental factors, time and again. For instance, out of $150 billion invested, women-owned businesses receive less than $3.4 billion in venture capital investment. That is less than 2.5% of potential capital. Moreover, the loan approval rate for female entrepreneurs is around 15%-20% less than men. Along with natural disasters, such as the pandemic, earthquake, climate change, landslides, floods, tsunami etc strongly pushing women and girls out of the race.
The epidemic that began has now turned into a female recession. Apart from the thrashing impact of COVID-19, women are also grappling with huge layoffs, alterations to childcare, constantly changing educational environments, virtual learning, financial difficulties, remote employment, and all the additional stress and family obligations that have eventually slowed professional advancement and drove many women out of the workforce.
Together, these factors have decreased the number of women in the workforce to levels last seen in 1988. A nightmare at play for all women, skilled, unskilled, and young girls who desire to pursue a career in the industry. As well as handicapping the world’s economy via implications of the fall.
Having identified the core parameters weighing women down, which are environmental and societal restrictions, lack of access, role models, talent pool, access to education and opportunities for STEM careers, the only way forward is to address and provide for a gender equal resolution. As gender parity at any workplace or industry is not merely a moral or an individual concern, it magnanimously impacts the economy of the organization, nation and by extension the world too.
Becoming a gender equal society and market is not only the right thing to do but also economically and otherwise smart. The time is now to make amends and support flexibility in the workplace, and young girls should be encouraged to follow their passions. For women to advance in the field, young computer science students should work with well-known women in technology as mentors.
Women have contributed significantly and consistently to the stability, progression, and long-term growth and development of countries and economies throughout history. The contribution and influence of women to ensuring economic growth and social development cannot be overemphasized. They serve as catalyst promoting the rapid rise and eradication of poverty in developing countries. Furthermore, via technological advancement and skill enhancement and gender inclusivity the world can expect to multiply the current economy 10 times with societal, environmental, cultural, technical, and individual gains.
Until the reality changes, the baiting terminology, “Women in tech” is just a chicken soup for the soul.
Disclaimer
Views expressed above are the author’s own.
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