As sexist as it might sound, but women and technology are usually seen as two edges of perhaps two different poles. And, it is this mindset that we have grown up with when talking about anything concerning technology and science, recounting an endless list of men who contributed in making our lives easier and simpler, while the equally gifted womenfolk are largely ignored . The very root of this conception lies in the fact that we have somehow tuned our minds into believing that technology and women ‘just does not happen’.
Technology and women : A fact check
Without going into details about which part of the globe the women belong to, on an average less than three percent of women feel that they can make a career in technology. There are many factors behind this sad assumption.
In emerging economies, where the society is still hugely patriarchal, women, even if educated, are more prone to taking up courses in humanities than in science and technology. There is a purely economic reason behind this scenario. The typical mindset of middle class families in this part of the world still gives preference to the male child, and regards investing in their education as a better option rather than spending the same on their female child’s education. Also, the level of exposure and guidance is very less, which makes it even more difficult for female students to choose technology as a viable career.
When it comes to the developed world, the story is not very different. It is surprising how woefully underrepresented the women are in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The assumption that these areas lack creativity and are rather mundane is the prime reason for limited female interest and participation. For instance, in the UK alone, women hold only 5% of leadership positions in the technology industry. This surely is a dismal figure, given the quantum of progress UK has achieved when it comes to workplace equality.
Lack of female role models, is another major reason women think that technology is perhaps one area which cannot be turned into a full-time vocation for them. Except for perhaps high-profile names like Marissa Mayer and Sheryl Sandberg there are hardly any females who have been able to break this glass ceiling and make an impact in this industry.
Gender imbalance and its impact on business
Negligible representation of women or acute gender imbalance in STEM is an issue not on the societal level alone – rather, such a situation has a negative impact on businesses as well. Lack of women in the workplace means that the perspective of one half of the population is not duly considered. Women are the major consumers of technology and related products, and their non-inclusion in the workforce reflects a major designing challenge for the manufacturers.
A well balanced and diversified workforce results in better engagement of customers as well as greater chances of enhanced problem solving. In fact, diversity is one of the essential keys to a successful business.
The way ahead : How to break the proverbial glass ceiling?
The best way to attract and build a balanced workforce is to start with the basics:
1. Catch them young
It is essential that female students are made aware of the scope and creativity that STEM holds for them. This is possible only if right from school and pre-university level they are provided with the right guidance and exposure.
2. More access to technology as a career
After building the right kind of awareness, it is important that the female students feel that careers in technology are quite in their reach. Only then will they strive to perform and pick up one of the branches of STEM as a career.
3. Relatable role models
As is said, role models are a living example that things can be done and success can be achieved. Thus, it is not just the popular big names in the industry who need to be brought into the limelight – rather, a whole bunch of names of women from various walks of lives need to be promoted to build a female-encouraging environment.
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