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The tech industry is ever-growing and constantly evolving, with new technologies, AI models, and development trends. Still, there are still things that need to be transformed for the better of the entire sector. One of the most crucial aspects that need changing, especially when it comes to IT staff augmentation and nearshoring, is the current situation for women in tech. While things are better than they were ten years ago, it’s still not enough. Both hiring companies and IT women want to develop high-quality projects, yet the way the industry is set up is not beneficial for either of them. The solution? To stay informed and take every little step to drive change within the tech landscape. This blog post will help you understand the current situation and what needs to be done. As always, a more diverse workforce is for the better!
What Does the Gender Gap Look Like For Women In Tech?
Despite making up roughly half of the overall workforce, women are severely underrepresented in the tech industry. This gender disparity shows in different ways, from a significant salary gap to the percentage of women employed in STEM, tech, and IT-adjacent roles. To mention a key statistic, according to a 2020 report by the National Center for Women & Information Technology, women held only 26% of computing jobs in the United States. This disparity is even more pronounced for women of color, who held just 10% of these jobs.
Furthermore, women in tech continue to earn less than their male coworkers - something that tends to happen across all industries, really. But this is exacerbated when it comes to the IT field, as women in tech earn 3% less than men on average, as stated by the results of a study from Hired. This shows the gender gap goes beyond the number of women working in tech and tech-adjacent roles. The issue goes well beyond just the hiring numbers, as the salaries and experiences they face are vastly different from that of their male coworkers.
What Are The Most Usual Challenges That Women In Tech Face?
Underrepresentation and unequal pay, especially for women of color.
One of the primary challenges faced by women in tech is the persistent underrepresentation in the industry, particularly in leadership and management roles. This lack of representation reinforces a gender imbalance and can result in limited opportunities for advancement - leading to unequal pay compared to their male counterparts, with studies consistently highlighting a gender pay gap within the tech industry.
Fewer chances of getting called back for a role.
Women in tech often encounter biases during the recruitment process. Research has shown that women have a lower chance of being called back for a role compared to male applicants, even with identical qualifications - with a 2019 study finding that women on average are 30% less likely than their male counterparts to receive a callback for a job interview. These biases can be rooted in stereotypes or unconscious biases that undermine women's abilities and contributions.
Higher possibility to get laid off in times of IT crisis.
During times of an IT crisis, such as economic issues, the tech bubble bursting like in 2022, or company restructuring, women in tech may face a higher risk of being laid off. This can be attributed to a combination of factors, including stereotypes about women's technical capabilities or biases that perceive women as less committed to their careers. The bottom line is that women in tech are 65 percent more likely than men to be impacted by layoffs - forcing them to perform at an insanely high level to feel more secure in their positions.
How To Drive Change For All Women In Tech
Support Women In Tech Programs and fellow organizations:
Groups like Girls Who Code and Women Who Tech provide resources, networking opportunities, and educational programs to encourage women and girls to pursue careers in technology. It's important for companies to support any local organizations that foster communities of women in IT and encourage their growth.
Scholarships and mentorship programs:
Several organizations offer scholarships specifically for women pursuing degrees in tech-related fields, while mentorship programs can help provide guidance and support for women navigating the industry. Your organization could be one of the sponsors or collaborate in another practical way to ensure these programs can continue.
Diversity and inclusion initiatives within organizations:
Many tech companies have implemented diversity and inclusion programs aimed at recruiting, retaining, and promoting women in tech, as well as other underrepresented groups. These efforts to create a more inclusive culture and combat biases when it comes to your own hiring decisions can help to break down barriers for women in tech.
Advocacy and Visibility:
Promoting the achievements and contributions of women in tech through media coverage, conferences, and speaking opportunities can help challenge stereotypes and provide role models for aspiring female professionals. By highlighting success stories, we can inspire the next generation of women in tech.
Hire talented women in tech.
Of course, the best way to support the growth of women in tech is by adding them to your existing development team! If your company needs efficient IT solutions, why not look for a diverse candidate? This is made easier by nearshore outsourcing, as it allows you to hire women in tech from nearshore developing nations wo belong to traditionally underrepresented communities. Hire LATAM developers and women in tech to have a culturally rich workforce and support inclusivity within the tech industry.
Looking To Hire A Diverse Team Of Women In Tech?
If your company is interested in hiring a more diverse outsourced development team, we can help you! At Blue Coding, our mission is to connect LATAM developers with North American organizations in need of quality IT solutions. We provide nearshore development services that help you hire nearshore women in tech with ease, as our expert technical recruiting team takes care of every detail of the hiring process - from vetting to interviewing. We have a network of select women in tech from several Latin American countries you can select your dream candidate and ensure your company gains the perfect fit as an addition to the team. If you want to learn more about our nearshore software development services, contact us today to schedule a free discovery call!
