By Miral Laurie, Information Security Consultant
Understanding the obstacles is the first step toward overcoming them. In the tech industry, these challenges are often deeply ingrained, necessitating a collective effort to dismantle.
Gender Bias and Discrimination
The gender pay gap remains a stark reality in tech. I vividly recall a moment when a male colleague, upon learning of my salary, was appalled to discover that I was earning £20k less than my male counterparts, despite shouldering a heavier workload. His bold assertion that I deserved a pay rise as the linchpin of our team was both flattering and eye-opening. This prompted me to reflect on the barriers I had encountered throughout my career. In my eight years at the company, despite actively seeking to diversify my all-male team through inclusive recruitment practices, the number of female applicants remained dishearteningly low, with only a handful successfully navigating the selection process.
Bias against women, whether overt or subconscious, manifests in various forms, including pay disparities, overlooked promotions, and a hostile work environment. Addressing and rectifying these biases is paramount for progress within the industry.
Lack of Mentorship and Support
Mentorship plays a pivotal role in professional development, yet many women in tech struggle to find mentors who truly grasp their unique challenges. Structured support systems are imperative to foster mentorship opportunities and advocate for women’s career advancement.
Work-Life Balance Issues
Balancing career commitments with personal responsibilities is a universal challenge, but for women in tech, societal expectations often exacerbate the struggle. As a mother of twin boys with Autism, navigating work-life balance became even more complex. Despite my determination to juggle a full-time role with diverse responsibilities, I eventually succumbed to burnout. It wasn’t until recently, after over two decades in the industry, that I found a company that genuinely appreciates and accommodates the challenges I face both in and outside of the workplace.
Throughout my career, I encountered numerous obstacles and discouraging responses:
“We can’t adjust your shift to accommodate your needs.”
“Part-time work isn’t feasible; we require full-time commitment.”
“You lack gravitas.”
“No one else has childcare responsibilities.”
The tech industry’s demanding work culture and inflexible structures pose significant barriers for women striving to achieve work-life balance. It’s imperative for companies to modernise their approach, prioritising employee well-being and retention by embracing flexibility and inclusivity.
Success Stories and Role Models
Visibility matters, especially in a field where the absence of representation can discourage interest. Celebrating women’s successes serves as a powerful motivator for aspiring individuals.
Highlighting Successful Women in Tech
In the vast landscape of technology, there are trailblazers who have forged their paths with determination and resilience. Their stories are as diverse as the field itself, serving as beacons of inspiration for others. One such individual is Jane Frankland.
Jane Frankland is a highly respected figure in the cybersecurity industry, renowned for her pioneering efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion. As the author of “IN Security: Why a Failure to Attract and Retain Women in Cybersecurity is Making Us All Less Safe,” she sheds light on the gender gap in cybersecurity and its ramifications for global security. Beyond her written work, Frankland is a sought-after speaker and consultant, advocating for greater representation of women in the field and actively addressing the challenges they encounter. Through her initiatives and thought leadership, she has played a significant role in shaping the discourse surrounding diversity and inclusivity in cybersecurity.
Initiatives and Solutions
Numerous organisations and communities have launched initiatives aimed at empowering women in the tech industry. From educational programs to advocacy groups, each initiative plays a vital role in reshaping the industry landscape. Notably, groups like Women inTech, part of Tech London Advocates, are at the forefront of driving change. See their 8 facts about women in tech post here which highlights the current challenges women face based on survey.
Support Programs for Women in Tech/CyberSecurity
The Tech and CyberSecurity industry is taking proactive measures to nurture its female talent through a variety of support programs. These include coding boot camps tailored for women, networking events, and professional development programs. As well as Women in Tech One standout group deserving of recognition for their impactful work for women in the Cyber security industry is WiCyS.
WiCyS, or Women in CyberSecurity, is a prominent organisation dedicated to empowering and advancing women in the cybersecurity field. Since its inception in 2012, WiCyS has fostered a supportive community for women in cybersecurity, offering networking opportunities, mentorship programs, and educational initiatives. Their annual conference serves as a platform for professionals, students, and researchers to exchange knowledge, foster collaboration, and address the challenges facing women in the industry. WiCyS has emerged as a driving force in advocating for diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity, working tirelessly to bridge the gender gap and cultivate a more equitable and diverse workforce.
Encouraging Young Girls to Pursue Tech Careers
The journey towards gender equality in tech begins early, with efforts to encourage young girls to pursue tech-related interests. Educational outreach, role modelling, and fostering a growth mindset from a young age are essential in making a substantial difference.
A gap also exists in education, when speaking with my niece about her path into STEM she mentioned there was a lot of encouragement in primary school years however less so in secondary schools where pupils are forging their career paths. The educational system is more about attainment targets rather than successful career paths related to your interests. More needs to be done here.
My niece mentions, Girl Powered which is a global initiative supported by Google encouraging girls to explore STEM fields. Through workshops, mentorship, and robotics competitions, it aims to inspire girls in science and technology. By fostering teamwork and inclusivity, Girl Powered promotes diversity in STEM, empowering the next generation of female leaders and innovators with robotics as their basis.
A United Stand for Gender Equality in Tech
As technology continues to shape our world, its innovators and leaders must reflect the diversity it aims to serve. Breaking the glass ceiling isn’t just a matter of fairness; it’s crucial for the future of tech and, by extension, the world. Let’s unite in our commitment to creating a tech industry where women not only survive but thrive. Our collective future depends on it.
As we navigate this ever-evolving landscape, let’s remember the importance of diverse perspectives. Innovation thrives on inclusivity, and it’s up to all of us to ensure that every voice is heard, regardless of gender.
As we recently celebrated International Women’s Day (8th March), let’s unite in our commitment to gender equality in tech. By amplifying women’s voices and embracing diversity, we can create a future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. Together, let’s break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and reshape the future of tech for the better.
