Bridging the gender gap in tech

Katie Rose Murphy Crowe (pictured), a software developer at MSP Assured Data Protection, talks about how important DE&I is for channel companies of all sizes

The theme of this year's International Women's Day was ‘Inspire Inclusion,' and there are few industries to which this could apply more than the STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Tech, in particular, is lagging behind other industries when it comes to female inclusion: according to Women in Tech, in 2023, women occupied just 26 per cent of the workforce in the sector.

There's a multitude of reasons for why women aren't gravitating towards technology roles, and one is that tech struggles with its ‘boy's club' image. It should be noted that programming used to be a primarily a female profession, and women were the largest trained technical workforce of the computing industry from the 1940s until the 1960s.

So how can tech leaders help re-balance the scales more effectively in modern times, given that, with the right combination of incentives, accommodation and representation, women can add such value to the computing professions.

How to inspire inclusion

There are a number of ways business leaders can effectively attract women to a role in the IT industry. Attending job and career fairs is a great place to engage with students in schools, colleges, and universities to advocate for diversity in tech. Showing that tech is a viable career at this stage is critical to getting more women into the industry. Providing mentoring and career advice to students, particularly girls, to inspire them to pursue STEM careers is fundamental.

Beyond that, directly addressing the lack of female role models in senior tech positions and the need for change will help to inspire young women. Highlighting successful female developers within the company can also help encourage other women to pursue technology, recognising that many women might gravitate towards developer roles if they see others being successful.

‘Talking the talk' isn't good enough in 2024: business leaders need to know how to ‘walk the walk,' too. Offering a range of personal and family-oriented benefits, and providing a supportive and inclusive working environment, would be an additional statute that employers could adopt, with some not-unrealistic adjustments to their business structures.

This would benefit, for example, women with children who struggle to access or afford regular child care, or the 10 per cent of women who experience chronic ailments such as endometriosis. The hybrid workplace model is a great example of a way that a company can promote this inclusivity and accommodate a diverse set of needs.

Working in tech

I can attest to the fact that, with the right team around you, a role in the tech field can be very rewarding.

I took on the role of a junior software developer, my first role post-university, at Assured Data Protection (Assured) just under a year ago. My role entails implementing and maintaining features in the managed back and DR products Assured provides. I'm pleased to testify that my team has been very welcoming and encouraging, which has had an uplifting effect on the development of my practical skills in the field.

The problem-solving aspect of being a software developer allows me to continually engage in solving problems of varying nature and difficulty, which is refreshing as each issue presents an opportunity to exercise critical thinking and creativity in new ways. This is the part of the role I enjoy the most.

What I've learnt

The advice I'd impart on women in tech would be to build a strong professional network within the workplace and the wider tech community; be sure to take the opportunities presented to you both within and outside of work; and seek out mentors and role models - especially if they're in a position in their career that you hope to be in later. And, make sure to make yourself heard, even when it feels difficult to do so, and always advocate for your work.

It also goes without saying that you should also support the women around you - especially newer additions to the team. Ensure their voices are heard during meetings, and make sure to create a supportive atmosphere so that they are not discouraged from sharing. If there are any networking events you are aware of - especially for women in tech - make sure they're aware of them and their potential for aiding career growth. Additionally, advocate for the recognition of their work by highlighting their achievements, skills, and potential.

Looking forward

The tech industry has a long way to go in achieving true gender equality. By actively promoting inclusion through targeted outreach programs, fostering a supportive work environment, and celebrating female role models, businesses can create a more welcoming space for women in STEM.

This isn't just about ticking a box - a diverse workforce brings a multitude of perspectives and experiences that ultimately lead to better products and a thriving company culture. It's time to break down the barriers and empower women like myself to continue thriving in the exciting world of technology.