Breaking down barriers for women in tech

Ongoing Diversity Challenges in the Tech Sector

Despite numerous initiatives aimed at bridging the gender gap in tech, the disparity remains significant. According to a recent PwC report, only 23% of tech roles in the UK are held by women. This underrepresentation extends beyond the numbers too; it reflects deeper, systemic issues that need addressing head-on.

One of the most glaring issues is the gender pay gap, something which has no right to exist in 2024. Only 8% of women in tech believe there is equal pay, and this shocking statistic underlines a widespread belief that women are undervalued in their roles compared to their male counterparts. Indeed, it would appear the acceptance of this disparity starts alarmingly early.

Our latest research at Bright Network Technology Academy has revealed that female computer science students expect to earn 7% less than their male peers in their first tech roles. More concerningly, this increases to 12% for Black heritage females, highlighting the significant impact of intersectionality on wage expectations.

The Gender Pay Gap: A Persistent Challenge

The gender pay gap in tech isn’t just a reflection of wage disparities but an unfortunate deterrent for women considering careers in the field. Misconceptions about salary and the perceived value of women in tech naturally discourages many from entering or putting down strong roots in the industry. The lack of transparency and understanding of what women should expect to earn further exacerbates this issue.

Beyond salary expectations, women in tech face other challenges too. Hiring practices often emphasise reputation and remuneration, but for female technologists, culture and support systems are paramount. In fact, 39% of female technologists prioritise people and culture over other factors when choosing a workplace. 

Despite this, however, there’s still a serious disconnect between the expectations of women and what employers provide, as our research has also found that 57% of women believe employers aren’t doing enough to support wellbeing and deliver a positive culture.

Image and Accessibility Issues in Tech

Image matters, even to an industry as seemingly bulletproof as tech. Indeed, the tech sector currently suffers from a significant image problem, with the largest gender gap in sector interest, with only 10% of female students and graduates expressing interest compared to 22% of males. 

This gap is further widened by the perception that learning to code is inaccessible. For women who find coding accessible, tech becomes the number one sector of interest. Conversely, those who view it as inaccessible rank tech among the least interesting fields.

Strategies to Attract and Retain Emerging Female Talent

There are, of course, many things that tech employers must do to address the inherent challenges in bringing more young female talent to the table. However, I feel there are five that could have the most profound impact if adopted as part of a deeper multifaceted approach:

1. Tackle the gender pay gap, right now: This may seem like an obvious suggestion, but for many businesses the penny still hasn’t dropped. If you want to attract and retain female talent, you must establish gender parity in salaries
2. Engage Early: Promote tech and your brand to students while they are still at university. Early engagement can spark interest and provide the necessary information and inspiration to pursue a career in tech.
3. Amplify Female Voices: Highlighting the achievements and contributions of women in your organisation’s tech teams will inspire young women to follow in their footsteps 
4. Promote Transparency: Openness about opportunities, salaries, and career progression in tech can demystify the sector and help set realistic and fair expectations for women entering the field.
5. Build Internal Networks and Support Structures: Creating strong support systems within the workplace can enhance mental wellbeing and foster a sense of belonging. This is essential for retaining female talent and ensuring they thrive in their roles.

The Crucial Role of Bright Network Technology Academy

At the Bright Network Technology Academy, we’re committed to changing the tech landscape for the better by showing all women that they have an important place in this exciting field. Our innovative initiatives, such as the Couch to Coder scheme, introduce thousands of women to tech each summer by making coding seem more accessible and welcoming with an approachable and engaging five-week course. It’s also completely free!

Our career accelerators go further still, offering comprehensive training and support to help women launch their careers as technologists. By engaging early and providing continuous support, we want to dismantle the barriers that have historically kept women out of tech and forge a new, better sector that better reflects the true landscape of UK tech. Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

The tech sector stands at a major crossroads. To continue innovating and growing, it must become more inclusive and welcoming to women. The challenges are significant, but so are the opportunities. By addressing issues like the gender pay gap, promoting transparency, and building supportive networks, we can attract and retain the talented women needed to drive the industry forward.

At the Bright Network Technology Academy, we’re proud to be a part of this change. Through our initiatives, we don’t just want to break down barriers but pave the way for a more diverse and vibrant tech community. Together, we can build a future where women are not just participants in tech but leaders and innovators, shaping the world with their unique talents and perspectives.