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Less than half of all tech organisations have programs to promote the hiring of female employees, despite the majority of IT professionals agreeing that the sector has a lack of diversity.
ISACA’s Tech Workplace and Culture report, which surveyed 7,726 IT professionals from around the world, found that while 87 per cent of IT professionals acknowledge and recognise the lack of gender diversity and 74 per cent of businesses find it hard to attract and retain talent, only 41 per cent of businesses have adopted programs to hire more women.
A key issue in hiring and maintaining women is the lack of female role models in the space, with 43 per cent of female respondents and 21 per cent of male respondents saying that most IT leaders are male.
“Australia’s tech sector faces a Catch-22; women remain under-represented due to a lack of visible role models, yet it is the success of these very role models that inspires others to adopt this career path and thrive,” said ISACA’s Oceania ambassador and founder of its SheLeadsTech program, Jo Stewart-Rattray.
“Role modelling and mentoring cannot be underestimated as one of the most powerful forms of motivation and support.”
The survey also found that men have a higher sense of authority in specific aspects of their role, while women rated their authority lower. Making purchasing decisions represented the largest difference in authority perception at 13 per cent, followed by contributing to company strategy and direction.
Additionally, the gender pay gap deters women from entering the field, with 42 per cent of women recognising the massive difference in salary. Only 15 per cent of male respondents recognised the pay gap.
“To break this cycle, businesses must actively address pay and promotion inequalities, while creating pathways that allow women to achieve their individual career goals, including during pivotal life stages like maternity leave,” Stewart-Rattray said.
Despite this, respondents do believe that this issue can be addressed through educational institutions. Fifty-two per cent believe that having mentors or role models can promote gender inclusion, while 42 per cent believe establishing tech clubs to promote female tech professional networking will address the industry gap. Thirty-one per cent also believe that hiring more female tech professors in education institutions will help solve the issue.
“More needs to be done to increase the representation of women in the IT and technology sector – and more needs to be done to welcome their leadership and influence,” said ISACA chief membership officer Julia Kanouse, who also oversees the association’s SheLeadsTech program.
“This will not only help to address the global skills gap and boost productivity in the sector – it will also create a more inclusive and diverse working environment.”
In a more positive light, women who do work in the sector said they are thriving in the space, with over two-thirds (68 per cent) of female respondents saying they were extremely or very satisfied with the progression of their career.
“Women thrive in tech roles, bringing unique perspectives and expertise to make impactful contributions within the industry and their organisations,” said Anna Murray, founder, president and lead consultant of emedia and member of the She LeadsTech advisory council.
“It is vital for the IT sector to continue prioritising efforts to both address deterrents and increase awareness and outreach to bring more women into these professions and create a more equitable and balanced tech workforce.”
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