New research reveals a contrasting scenario for women in tech.
- 90% of women find rewarding careers in technology, but face gender bias.
- Report endorsed by Dame Stephanie Shirley calls for a gender-diverse industry.
- Job satisfaction is high among women, yet bias remains a challenge.
- Women in tech: significant contributions overshadowed by persistent barriers.
In an industry renowned for innovation and progress, new research from AND Digital highlights a striking duality faced by women in technology. According to their ‘Rewards & Resilience’ report, an overwhelming 90% of women in tech roles find their careers rewarding, showcasing not only a passion for their work but also a significant level of job satisfaction. However, the same percentage of women report facing gender bias, illuminating an ongoing struggle against systemic barriers that persist in the tech sector.
Dame Stephanie Shirley, an illustrious advocate for women in technology, has endorsed the report’s findings, viewing them as both a celebration of achievements and a roadmap for increased female representation in leadership roles. She emphasises the substantial economic opportunities within the tech industry juxtaposed with the pressing need to address gender bias, which continues to hinder progress despite women’s evident success and contributions to the field.
The report’s data unveils that almost 90% of women love their tech roles, with four out of five women acknowledging their success in these positions. Only a minimal 3% have considered leaving their tech careers, underpinning the positive engagement and resilience women exhibit. Nevertheless, 90% have also reported encountering gender bias, while over 60% have faced outright discrimination, further complicating their professional journeys.
Moreover, the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis have further disadvantaged women, especially in terms of leadership opportunities. Women occupy only 24% of roles within the tech industry, with a mere 5% in leadership positions. This disparity is alarming considering the two million vacancies within the UK tech sector, which is valued at £150 billion. The data underscores the urgent necessity for equitable representation and opportunities for women leaders in tech.
While the level of job satisfaction remains high, with 79% of women feeling successful in their roles, there is a clear need for organisations to foster environments that truly support female professionals. The resilience required to navigate persistent biases is not trivial, with many women reporting a lack of resources and upskilling opportunities, particularly in larger enterprises compared to smaller businesses. Wendy Stonefield of AND Digital acknowledges progress but highlights the importance of genuine cultural shifts to ensure diversity is more than a superficial effort.
The ‘Rewards & Resilience’ report by AND Digital underscores the dual struggle of passion and bias that women in technology continue to navigate, advocating for substantial cultural and structural changes within the industry.
