We are living in a time of disruption and transformation, where technology is proving to be one of the fastest growing sectors in the global economy.
Yet, despite the incredible opportunities this sector offers, not enough women are pursuing technology as a career path and not enough girls are studying computer science at school.
While the number of women working in technology increased to 31% over the past year, studies show the gender diversity of UK technology leaders remains unchanged with only 10% women. This is disappointingly low, given that organizations with 30% female leaders see a 15% increase in profitability compared to those lacking female leadership. Not to mention the fact that inclusivity leads to better problem-solving as cognitively diverse groups find solutions faster than teams who are cognitively similar. And in an industry that is all too familiar with a fast-changing landscape – especially in COVID times – such responsiveness leaves companies better positioned to adapt quickly.
Getting more women into technology careers has never been more important to try and close the gender gap, but it’s the old-fashioned stereotypes that are hindering progress – with the most prevalent bias being that women are inherently less technically inclined. Where one may see working in technology as a lucrative career option, many young women see it as isolating, uncreative, and still an impenetrable boys club. Perhaps what’s most concerning is these stereotypes start as early as 7 years old and are hard to shake when entering secondary school.
So how can we bust these myths? And what can technology companies and the government do to encourage more women into technology?
Continue reading: https://technative.io/want-to-encourage-more-women-in-tech-its-time-to-tackle-the-bias/
Yet, despite the incredible opportunities this sector offers, not enough women are pursuing technology as a career path and not enough girls are studying computer science at school.
While the number of women working in technology increased to 31% over the past year, studies show the gender diversity of UK technology leaders remains unchanged with only 10% women. This is disappointingly low, given that organizations with 30% female leaders see a 15% increase in profitability compared to those lacking female leadership. Not to mention the fact that inclusivity leads to better problem-solving as cognitively diverse groups find solutions faster than teams who are cognitively similar. And in an industry that is all too familiar with a fast-changing landscape – especially in COVID times – such responsiveness leaves companies better positioned to adapt quickly.
Getting more women into technology careers has never been more important to try and close the gender gap, but it’s the old-fashioned stereotypes that are hindering progress – with the most prevalent bias being that women are inherently less technically inclined. Where one may see working in technology as a lucrative career option, many young women see it as isolating, uncreative, and still an impenetrable boys club. Perhaps what’s most concerning is these stereotypes start as early as 7 years old and are hard to shake when entering secondary school.
So how can we bust these myths? And what can technology companies and the government do to encourage more women into technology?
Continue reading: https://technative.io/want-to-encourage-more-women-in-tech-its-time-to-tackle-the-bias/
