Overcoming Inequality in the Tech Industry: Understanding the Gender Gap, Dismantling Stereotypes, and Shifting Mindsets
A recurring debate that remains prominent in society is the issue of the gender gap in the tech industry—an essential part of the evolution of workplaces. The gender gap within tech is an ongoing discussion. According to a Women in Tech 2023 Survey, only 3 out of 12 in the tech industry are women, with the pay gap standing at 16% in the UK—higher than the national average of 11.6%. This highlights an evident issue. But why has there been no noticeable change? Addressing the issue might not be as straightforward as it seems.
History Shaping the Present
Historical misogynistic behaviors are deeply rooted and continue to affect women in the tech industry. These behaviors have shaped what we describe as the glass ceiling:
Glass ceiling: an unacknowledged barrier to advancement in a profession, especially affecting women and members of minorities.
The glass ceiling is clearly present, with only 5% of women in leadership positions in the tech industry. This raises the question of why the ceiling persists into the 21st century.
The Perpetrator – Unconscious Bias
Shattering the ceiling and removing stereotypes in the tech industry may be more complex than anticipated. ‘Unconscious bias’ could perpetuate the glass ceiling.
Unconscious bias: also known as implicit bias, refers to automatic and often unintentional attitudes and stereotypes that individuals hold towards certain groups of people.
In the tech industry, unconscious bias can influence decision-making, hiring practices, and workplace structure, leading to disparities in opportunities and treatment for different groups, including women. This bias makes it challenging to break the glass ceiling and eradicate stereotypes, as tech continues to be perceived as a ‘man’s job.’
So, how can we remove these stereotypes and prevent this harmful psychology if it is partially unconscious? The answer lies in youth education.
Education to Eradication
The Women in Tech survey highlights that ‘early misconceptions from a lack of education’ are a major driver for the underrepresentation of women in tech. Increased awareness of prospects in the tech industry for young women can help chip away at the glass ceiling. Find out more about Telefónica Tech’s actions to educate the youth on STEM careers.
To tackle the gap, shatter the ceiling, and shift mindsets, education should be prioritized to foster positive stereotypes favoring equality.
How Can We Shift Mindsets and Shatter the Glass Ceiling?
Acknowledging the complexity of the issue, it is unrealistic to expect a quick or simple solution to breaking the glass ceiling. History has perpetuated the misconception that women are not suited for the tech industry, and the lack of progress is due to these deep-rooted stereotypes and unconscious biases.
However, youth education has the potential to cultivate a fresh perspective on women in tech and STEM for the next generation. The current tech community must also be proactive, empowering women and celebrating diversity to make a positive impact. Telefónica Tech aims to create an inclusive environment that welcomes all. To learn more about Telefónica Tech’s commitment to inclusion and our achieved accreditations, visit our careers page.