17 December 2024
Only four in ten businesses have plans in place to hire more women, despite professionals recognising the skills shortage in the IT sector.
New research from ICASA shows that while 75% of businesses admit that attracting and retaining talent is a challenge, female IT professionals continue to feel excluded with 43% of respondents citing the male dominance of role models and leaders as a major reason for the underrepresentation in tech roles.
More then half of women have called for more mentors and role models.
Additional issues such as pay inequalities were revealed by 42% of women, though only 15% of men acknowledged this gap.
Men in leadership roles also reported a higher sense of authority, especially in areas like purchasing decisions and company strategy.
Despite challenges, the study showed that 68% of women are satisfied with their career progression, with 73% receiving raises or promotions in recent years, compared to 71% of men. However, obstacles such as a lack of awareness, role models, and inclusive hiring practices continue to limit opportunities for women in the tech industry.
"The lack of women in tech isn't just a diversity issue for the industry but a talent crisis and if we want to solve the UK skills shortage, businesses must not only hire women but also empower them to lead. The facts are, women love tech but while 90% of female tech leaders report finding their careers rewarding, 80% have encountered significant hurdles," said Antonia Walt, Chief for Client Experience at AND Digital. "Businesses need to dismantle the outdated structures that limit women advancements and start recognising the unique perspectives women bring to the table. It's important to shift away from male-dominated leadership and provide women with the platforms, resources and mentorship necessary for their success."
"Gendered diversity in tech isn't just about ticking a box, it's a business necessity. Diverse leadership teams are proven to make better decisions, are more innovative and produce stronger results, yet many tech companies are still falling behind when it comes to creating truly inclusive environments. Women are building the next wave of innovation, but for that to happen, they need equal access to leadership positions, mentorship and growth opportunities, only then will they truly be able to make a difference," said Sheila Flavell CBE, COO for FDM Group.
