Women Breaking Barriers With Their Role In Technology

The theme for International Women’s Day 2023 is “DigitALL: Innovation and Technology for gender equality.” Women’s Day is observed every year on the 8th of March and is a day to acknowledge the amazing achievements of women and show solidarity towards the challenges they face every day. 

Technology is one of the main things women are way behind in, and the theme for International Women’s Day 2023 is a way to promote it. Technology has become a significant part of modern society, and its impact is felt in all aspects of life. Despite this, the representation of women in the technology industry remains low, with women occupying only a small percentage of technical roles. This lack of gender diversity hinders the industry’s growth and innovation potential and perpetuates social inequality. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the role of women in technology, the barriers they face, and the opportunities they create to break these barriers. International women’s Day 2023 is just a step towards achieving this. 

Historical Perspect On Women And Technology 

Women have made notable impacts on the field of technology throughout history. Ada Lovelace, widely regarded as the world’s first computer programmer, created the primary algorithm designed to be processed by a machine in the 1840s. During World War II, women played a vital role in programming and operating the earliest electronic computers, such as ENIAC. However, as technology became male-dominated in the post-war era, women’s representation dwindled, and gender bias became prevalent.

Sturgistech, in an article, talks about Despite facing significant barriers, women continued to make strides in technology. And the Women’s Liberation Movement of the 1960s and 1970s created opportunities for women to enter the field. However, progress remained slow, and women faced systemic discrimination and gender bias. It was not until the 21st century that significant initiatives began to address these issues and increase gender diversity in the technology industry.

Barriers Faced By Women In Technology 

There are several barriers that women face when pursuing careers in technology. These barriers result in a lack of gender diversity in the technology industry, hindering innovation and progress. Breaking these barriers is crucial for promoting gender diversity and ensuring a more equitable and inclusive technology industry. While these issues have been discussed dominantly in the International women’s day campaigns, we are still behind. A few of these barriers include: 

1. Gender Bias

Women are often subjected to discrimination and bias in hiring and promotion decisions, leading to limited opportunities for advancement.

2. Stereotyping

Women are constantly stereotyped as less technically competent than men, leading to a lack of trust and credibility from their peers and superiors.

3. Lack Of Role Models

The lack of female representation in leadership roles and technical positions can make it challenging for women to see a clear path to advancement.

4. Work Culture

The technology industry’s culture can be male-dominated, and the work-life balance and flexibility required to succeed in the industry can be challenging for women with caregiving responsibilities.

5. Harassment

Women in technology can also face harassment and discrimination, including sexual harassment, making it challenging to succeed and feel safe in the workplace.

6. Educational And Training Barriers

Women often face barriers to accessing education and training in the fields of science and technology, limiting their opportunities to pursue careers in technology.

Breaking Barriers: Initiatives And Strategies

Several initiatives and strategies have been developed to break down the barriers faced by women in technology. By implementing these initiatives and strategies, companies and organisations can break down the barriers women face in technology and create a more inclusive and diverse industry. Some of these include:

Mentorship And Sponsorship Programs

These programs provide support and guidance for women in technology, connecting them with experienced mentors. And sponsors who can help them navigate the industry and overcome barriers to advancement.

Diversity And Inclusion Programs

The purpose of diversity and inclusion programs is to foster a more inclusive and diverse workplace culture by providing training, education, and support for underrepresented groups, including women in technology.

Recruitment And Hiring Strategies

Companies are adopting strategies to promote gender diversity in their recruitment and hiring processes. For instance, some companies are setting targets for the number of women they aim to recruit and using gender-neutral language in job postings to attract a more diverse pool of candidates.

Flexible Work Arrangements

Providing flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting and flexible hours, can help women with caregiving responsibilities balance their work and personal responsibilities, allowing them to succeed in the industry.

Education And Training

Every year, near International women’s day, Initiatives are developed to promote education and training opportunities for women in STEM fields, including scholarships, grants, and mentorship programs. 

Future Prospects And The Importance Of Gender Diversity

The technology industry’s future depends on innovation, and innovation requires diverse perspectives and experiences. Gender diversity in the industry is essential for creating a culture of innovation and driving progress. Research depicts that diverse teams are more innovative, creative, and successful than homogenous ones. Therefore, the technology industry must continue to work towards achieving gender diversity.

In addition to promoting innovation and creativity, suggests gender diversity in technology helps address the gender pay gap and promote equality. Women in technology bring unique perspectives and skills crucial to the industry’s success, and companies that fail to recognise and value these contributions risk falling behind their competitors.

As technology continues to play a vital role in all aspects of life, the need for gender diversity in the industry will continue to grow. Companies that prioritise gender diversity in their recruitment, hiring, and promotion processes are better positioned to succeed and drive innovation.

Moreover, the future prospects for women in technology are bright as initiatives and programs continue to break down the barriers limited in the history of women’s participation in the industry. With continued progress towards gender diversity and inclusion, women in technology will continue to play a crucial role in driving innovation and progress.