Women feel Uncomfortable & Unwelcomed in Tech Sector finds New Report

By: WE Staff

According to a recent study conducted by Wiley's Global Talent Development Solution, 46 per cent of young Indian professionals said that they were not given much encouragement to pursue tech careers; this percentage was 50 per cent for women, while 52 per cent of them were not even provided any encouragement during their high school. 10 per cent of young professionals, including 8 per cent of young professionals stated that they weren't provided any information about tech careers and had instead relied on their independent research.

Approximately one thousand young professionals between the ages of 21 and 25 who work in Indian tech companies were among the 200 senior IT decision-makers targeted by Wiley Edge, the company's global talent development solution. The survey also investigated the level of diversity in India's mid and large-sized company’s tech workforces.

Gen Z Professionals were the main Target

The survey was mainly focused on Gen Z professionals and entry-level positions in the tech industry, it also identifies several challenges and opportunities that are being provided by the sector. Despite receiving some sort of training or encouragement in their high schools or universities, 39 per cent of respondents who were asked why they choose to work in the tech industry stated that they were bound to research these topics on their own instead of getting any guidance. Still, several industries convinced them that it offered the best opportunities. In addition to this, 35 percent of students were motivated by influential people or the media, 23 per cent had friends who supported them in deciding whereas 23 per cent had a natural tendency of opting for science and mathematics and 21 per cent were influenced by their parents.

The survey also studied the mindset of young tech talents. According to 30 per cent of Gen Z people, tech careers are future securities. But around 36 per cent of them believe that men dominate in this industry, 20 per cent feel ignored, and 20 per cent are even unaware of the job opportunities in this particular sector. 30 per cent of the respondents said their experiences were mostly positive, and 45 per cent of respondents overall said that they had positive experiences in the tech sector.

Difficulties Faced by Women in Tech Sector

However, Women emphasized particular difficulties they have faced during their work. 25 per cent of women who have responded to the survey said that they felt uncomfortable while serving their current positions, and 34 per cent said they wanted to quit because they didn't feel welcome or uncomfortable. These issues were attributed to factors such as organizational culture and leadership which is 30 per cent, a lack of resources and support 33 per cent and a lack of appreciation and rewards that is also 33 per cent, lack of opportunities for professional development which is 40 per cent, an unequal treatment or gender pay gaps of 30 per cent, and also 32 per cent of them said about the discrimination they faced in this sector.

The study also says that businesses struggle constantly to find women for various roles in the tech sector. Businesses often face trouble while hiring women for entry-level tech jobs, 28 per cent for mid-level positions, and 20 per cent for senior-level positions whereas 20 per cent of businesses found it simple to hire women for tech roles, a notable 13 per cent of businesses struggle across all levels.

Efforts made by the Organizations

Even though many companies recognize the critical need for gender diversity, action is not always a result of awareness. A significant 69 per cent of the companies that participated in the survey actively acknowledged and made an effort to address the lack of gender diversity in their organizations.

Next, 8 per cent of people are aware of the issue, but they are unsure of how to solve it. 3 per cent of people in the tech industry have accepted the fact of non-diversity.

The problem also arises in the gender pay gap said by 37 per cent of the people. Businesses are therefore finding it difficult to close the 74 per cent of them who find problems with the gender pay gap. In addition to this, 54 per cent of businesses said that it is difficult to keep women in technology. Despite the ongoing difficulties faced by the companies, they are still making efforts to empower and support women in the tech sector. 81 per cent of businesses provide mentoring programs specifically designed for female employees, providing them invaluable advice for their professional and personal growth.

Internal development of the organizations has been prioritized to develop female leaders. Only 16 per cent mentioned that they had filled senior-level positions with women from the outside company. In response to the demands of women in the workforce, 39 per cent of the companies have implemented flexible working policies, whereas 70 per cent of them have updated their benefit packages.