Over the years, a lot of progress has been made in breaking down bias regarding the association of women in technical roles. Today’s women are breaking down barriers, questioning biases, and ensuring their voices are heard.
Women in technology are spearheading innovation and driving progress towards a more inclusive and diverse future. With their relentless determination, resilience, and ingenuity, women are breaking barriers and making significant strides in various tech domains.
Their contributions fuel technological advancements and inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Women are still in the minority in tech
Tech is still very male-centric. Historically, women in tech make up a fairly small percentage of the workforce and even less so in the coveted C-suite. Gender bias in hiring practices and employment agreements is one of the biggest deterrents.
It can be safely said that women’s status in tech has improved. However, as women make up less than a third of the world’s workforce in technology-related fields, we clearly have a long way to go.
Challenging the status quo
The status of women in tech has improved over the years. The tech industry has recently made significant progress in creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for women.
Women have begun challenging the status quo and are leaving an indelible mark on the tech landscape. Today’s women are breaking down barriers, questioning biases, and ensuring their voices are heard. When it comes to women in technology, we do see positive movements for women here in the Middle East. According to UNESCO, 57% of STEM graduates in Arab countries are women – surpassing the global average of 28%.
“Growing up in a digital age, I was fascinated by the endless possibilities technology offers. In today’s ever-evolving world, technology use is unavoidable. Imagine the undiscovered world of AI that is beginning to touch all facets of human lives,” says Ayushi Srivastava, Marketing Manager, Middle East at Ariston Group.
“My fascination with technology is more than just one moment of realization but a continuous journey of growth and discovery. What inspired me was a combination of curiosity, creativity and a desire to make a meaningful impact to shape a better future for generations to come.”
“Whether at work or home, technology has always fascinated me. I have always been a part of the tech industry, be it in an electronic retail chain or an electronic brand. My professional journey in the Electronics industry further fueled my passion for technology. In this dynamic field, innovation and evolution are constant, offering opportunities to learn something new every day,” says Shraddha Mukul, Marketing Manager, Sennheiser Middle East. “The thrill of discovering and adapting to advancements in technology is what excites me the most about this industry, motivating me to pursue a career dedicated to its exploration and application.”
Studies show that women experience gender bias and discrimination. Diversity is essential to ensure that all individuals have equal opportunities to succeed,
Today, women are increasingly breaking down barriers and shattering stereotypes when it comes to technology employment, “The tech industry offers an environment where innovation is constant, and the possibilities are endless. Being a part of this dynamic field that constantly pushes the boundaries of what’s possible was too exciting for me to resist,” says Abhilasha Gupta, Head of Global Media Relations at Tech Mahindra.
“My motivation in the field of technology has evolved from personal passion towards a commitment to driving impactful change. Lessons learned include the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Overall, my journey has reinforced the significance of passion, perseverance, and dedication to innovation,” said Chantelle Tavid, Head of Marketing for MENAT at NVIDIA.
Innovation and growth in the tech industry depend on diversity and inclusivity. Fostering a culture of inclusion and diversity where all individuals feel valued and respected will make the tech industry more welcoming to women and more successful overall.
“It’s time for enterprises to take immediate and meaningful steps to break down the barriers that prevent underrepresented groups from participating fully in the industry. By implementing equity-based policies, offering mentorship programs, and promoting a culture of inclusivity, we can create a tech industry that fosters progress and values diversity,” says Abhilasha. She adds, “Personally, I advocate for these changes, recognizing that a diverse workforce enhances collaboration, brings a multitude of perspectives, and significantly benefits our bottom line. This commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just about creating equitable workplaces; it’s about paving the way for a more just and innovative future where leadership transcends gender, and every voice is heard.”
Businesses should prioritize diversity and inclusion and adopt recruiting and hiring practices that promote diversity, create a women-friendly environment, and ensure equal pay and opportunities for advancement.
“To foster greater diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, companies should prioritize diverse recruitment, create inclusive environments, and offer equal opportunities for advancement, “ says Chantelle. “Personally, I contribute by advocating for diversity, supporting initiatives, and fostering inclusivity within my team. Recently, I was elected as co-chair within NVIDIA’s WIT (Women in Technology) community to empower members and create a collaborative and supportive environment for women in our company.”
Sennheiser’s Shraddha says, “In my opinion, the tech industry can foster greater diversity and inclusion through proactive measures such as implementing diverse hiring practices, providing inclusive workplace policies, and offering mentorship and support programs for underrepresented groups. The culture principle equally applies to both men and women in the industry.”
She adds, “That kind of attitude is imperative to ensure women thrive in economisation. I contribute to this effort by advocating for diversity and inclusion within my organisation, participating in diversity-focused events and initiatives, and mentoring individuals from diverse backgrounds. By creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, we can harness the full potential of diverse perspectives to drive innovation and success in the tech industry.”
Consciously recruiting for diversity is of utmost necessity. Research has shown that businesses are more productive and profitable with a healthy mix and ratio of male-to-female leaders.
“Increasing diversity in tech means looking beyond the usual places and ways we recruit. It’s about valuing different perspectives and experiences. Tech companies should not only diversify their hiring but also create environments where everyone feels they belong,” says Umut Satir Gurbuz, Senior Sales Engineer for MEA at Dataiku. Personally, I try to mentor and share opportunities with folks from all sorts of backgrounds. It’s about opening doors and keeping them that way.”
According to the World Economic Forum, by 2025, 97 million new jobs will be created globally due to advances in technology and automation. Today, only 33% of technology jobs worldwide are filled by the necessary skilled labour. The tech industry, therefore, needs to be the driving force behind creating the workforce of the future, and this includes helping to see more women in STEM – especially in fields such as AI, coding, and cybersecurity.
There are many practical ways we can support the advancement of women in tech. To ensure inclusivity, we also need to see diversity in hiring boards, while including men in the equation is essential to creating pathways that advocate, support, and embrace women joining and thriving the world of technology.
It is in the essential fitness of things that parents understand the importance of STEM education and encourage their daughters to study and work in tech.
Things have been changing over the past couple of years, and it is undeniably better for business now than it was a few years ago. More women are leading technical teams and gaining more ground in the tech industry. Also, the largest players in the tech world are making slow but steady advances towards shrinking the gender gap in work environments. Notably, more women are also making fast career advances and making it to the C-suite.
Through mentorship, advocacy, and leadership, women in technology are championing diversity and inclusion, shaping a future where all voices are heard and valued.
