According to the annual Computer Weekly/TechTarget IT salary survey, there is a belief that women are well represented in tech leadership positions across Europe. However, this perception is misguided as data from the Tech Talent Charter and the Frank Recruitment Group show that women make up only a small percentage of senior tech leaders in the UK, with even fewer in CIO positions in FTSE 100 companies.
Hila Naor, vice-president of product at AI firm Atera, highlighted the lack of female role models in senior IT positions and emphasized the importance of mentorship programs to support and promote women in IT. Despite increasing discussions around diversity and inclusion in the technology sector, 10% of IT workers in Europe stated that their companies are not doing anything to advance DEI in their technology teams.
While many IT workers believe their departments are succeeding in growing and maintaining the number of women in their tech teams, there are still significant challenges in achieving gender equity in the industry. Concerns about diversity extend beyond gender, with discussions now encompassing traits such as age, ability, sexuality, and ethnicity.
There is a recognition that more needs to be done to create a truly equitable tech sector, where the workforce reflects the diversity of those using the technology. Many believe that hiring women and individuals from underrepresented groups could help close the skills gap in the sector. It is also emphasized that men play a critical role as allies in driving change towards gender equality in IT departments.
Efforts to improve diversity and inclusion in the technology sector require a change in mindset across all levels of the organization, from the board to employees. From hiring practices to awareness programs, companies need to involve all employees in driving DEI initiatives. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that every employee feels empowered to make a positive impact on diversity within their organization.