Survey reveals underrepresentation of women in tech sector

A recent survey by ISACA reveals that only 41 percent of businesses have initiatives aimed at hiring more women in the technology sector, despite the commonly held belief that women are underrepresented in IT.

The global survey, conducted as part of ISACA's Tech Workplace and Culture report, found that 87 percent of IT professionals agree there is a lack of gender diversity within the sector. The survey included responses from 7,726 professionals from around the world. Additionally, 74 percent of businesses report challenges in attracting and retaining talent.

ISACA's research indicates that several factors contribute to the underrepresentation of women in tech. Forty-three percent of female respondents identified a lack of female role models and leaders as a key issue, a view shared by 21 percent of male respondents. Pay inequality was cited by 42 percent of women respondents, whereas only 15 percent of men responded similarly.

Data also shows a disparity in how men and women perceive their authority in their roles, with a notable difference in areas such as making purchasing decisions, where a 13 percentage point gap exists, and in contributing to company strategy and direction, where a 10 percentage point gap is apparent.

Jo Stewart-Rattray, ISACA's Oceania Ambassador and Founder of the SheLeadsTech programme, emphasised the critical talent shortages in Australia's tech sector, underscoring the importance of role models.

"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," she said. "Role modelling and mentoring cannot be underestimated as one of the most powerful forms of motivation and support."

She suggested that businesses need to address pay and promotion inequalities and create pathways for women to reach their career goals, even during pivotal life stages. "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," she added.

Survey respondents also highlighted the role educational institutions could play in driving gender inclusion. Recommendations included providing mentors or role models (52 percent), establishing tech clubs or organisations for networking for women (42 percent), and hiring more female tech professors (31 percent).

The survey indicates some progress, as 68 percent of women reported being extremely or very satisfied with their career progression.

Julia Kanouse, Chief Membership Officer at ISACA, stated, "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. 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."

Anna Murray, Founder, President and Lead Consultant of eMedia, and member of the SheLeadsTech Advisory Council, emphasised the broader impact of increasing the number of women in tech roles. "Each woman added to the tech force impacts dozens of other women, because you need to see it to be it," she stated. "Women thrive in tech roles, bringing unique perspectives and expertise to make impactful contributions within the industry and their organisations. 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."