Type “women in technology” in the Google search bar and you’ll see words like “we have a long way to go”, “gender pay gap” and “#MeToo.” This is perhaps unsurprising. Earlier this month 20,000 Google employees protested over how Google handles cases of sexual misconduct, gender inequality and systemic racism. Leaving many women to voice: “We’re done with not being taken seriously.”
This sentiment is echoed in the Women in Tech Survey Report 2018 by Ivanti, where 63% of women in technology cite ‘being taken seriously’ as the number one challenge faced by women working in the sector. This is swiftly followed by ‘having no female role model’ (43%) and the ‘gender pay gap’ at 40%. However, in the same search, new words are beginning to permeate. Words like “#EmpowerHer”, “successful women in STEM” and “women advancing technology.”
Some of the findings included:
- 54% of women believe there are now more women working in tech than five years ago.
- 63% of women cite ‘being taken seriously’ as the number one challenge in the tech industry.
- 67% of women believe ‘making a positive impact’ is the best thing about being a woman in tech.
In analysing Ivanti’s report, Reboot Digital Marketing Agency felt inspired to highlight what women believe is the best thing about being a woman in tech. To achieve this, Reboot designed a graphic to showcase data collated by Ivanti from more than 500 women working in technology across the globe. It’s fantastic to see 67% of women believe ‘making a positive impact’ on their organisation and/or industry is the best thing about being a woman in tech. The second-best thing about being a woman in tech (so say just over half (54%) of women surveyed) is ‘encouraging other women’ – arguably one of the most important factors.
Women list ‘it’s never boring’ (53%) and ‘it’s a passion project’ (45%) as other positive things about working in the field of technology. Whereby work is dynamic, engaging and a way to
create in myriad ways. There is also the possibility of ‘perks’ (29%), such as the opportunity to work flexible hours or to hot-desk in a new environment. Not to mention the potential for ‘great pay and career advancement’ which 24% of women champion as the best thing about
working in tech.
Lastly, ‘being surrounded by other women in the same field’ is a factor 14% of women believe is the best thing about being a woman in the technology sector. This validates the importance of women in technology networking events, mentorship programmes and STEM programmes. In sharing what they know, or questioning what they don’t, women can inspire and become a role model for other women.
“Women are creative and natural born leaders who are good at problem solving and handling
new challenges. These are reasons that make working in tech exciting for me. I enjoy the idea of discovering unfamiliar problems every day and creating innovative ways to solve the issues. Each day is different, and you never stop learning!”
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