Recent analysis from the Financial Times highlights significant progress in narrowing the gender gap within the tech industry across the UK, EU, and US.
- The proportion of women in UK tech roles increased from 29% in 2019 to over 32% in 2023, indicating a positive trend towards gender diversity.
- The EU has also seen growth, with women’s representation in computer programming rising from 23% pre-pandemic to 25% by the end of 2023.
- The US has reported a rise in female tech workers, though the percentage fell from 31% in 2019 to 25% in 2023, indicating mixed results.
- Industry experts emphasise the need for ongoing efforts to embed diversity into organisational culture and decision-making processes.
A detailed analysis by the Financial Times has marked a considerable stride in addressing gender disparity within the tech industry across major economies like the UK, EU, and the US. Notably, the proportion of women engaged in computer-related roles in the UK has risen from 29 percent in 2019 to over 32 percent in recent years, signifying a shift towards greater gender inclusivity in the sector.
In the European Union, similar trends have been observed, where female participation in computer programming and associated services has experienced growth. The figure climbed from 23 percent before the COVID-19 pandemic to 25 percent by the end of 2023. This increase is partly attributed to the expanding role of tech positions in industries such as banking and consumer goods within the EU, which has opened doors for more women to engage in this field.
Conversely, the US has demonstrated a somewhat paradoxical trend. While the share of female workers in the tech sector surged, the overall percentage saw a decline from 31 percent in 2019 to 25 percent by the end of 2023. The nation boasted slightly under 900,000 female professionals in computer programming and related services out of a total of 2.5 million by last year, suggesting room for improvement despite the numerical increase.
Industry leaders like Sai Bendi, Software Development Manager at Encompass Corporation, stress the continued necessity of promoting diversity as an integral aspect of organisational strategy. Bendi affirms, “The transformative power of technology makes it an enticing and exciting sector for women to be involved in. However, while the latest findings highlight progress, there’s still work to be done to ensure that diversity is, rather than just a buzzword, a fundamental aspect of organisational culture and decision-making processes throughout the industry.”
Sheila Flavell CBE, Chief Operating Officer of FDM Group, also underscores the importance of gender equality policies and flexible working environments as catalysing agents for change. Flavell notes, “The rise of work-from-anywhere and flexible hours since the pandemic has shifted employee expectations and opened the door to tech for many people.” Such structural changes in workplace practices are pivotal in drawing women into tech roles, thereby reinforcing diversity and inclusion.
Flexibility in working practices, particularly the option to work from home, serves as a significant attraction for women aspiring for a balanced professional and personal life. The ability to manage familial obligations concurrently with career advancement is increasingly achievable within this dynamic sphere, which melds creativity, innovation, and adaptability.
Continued advocacy and targeted policies are essential in sustaining and enhancing gender diversity within the tech industry.
