The tech industry has long been a male-dominated field, but the tides are turning as more and more women enter the tech industry in various roles such as in software development, HR, management and leadership. Despite progress, women in tech still face significant challenges. However, tech outsourcing presents a unique opportunity to support women in tech, providing a pathway to a more inclusive and diverse industry. In this post, we will explore the biggest challenges for women in tech, current statistics, and how outsourcing can play a pivotal role in promoting diversity.
One of the most significant challenges for women in tech is the pervasive gender bias that manifests in various forms, including:
This bias often starts early, with societal stereotypes discouraging young girls from pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) subjects. For those who do enter the tech industry, the “bro culture” and lack of mentorship can be daunting barriers.
According to Women in Tech Network, 65% of tech recruiters acknowledge bias in hiring, with 66% of women lacking clear career advancement opportunities in their companies.
Forbes reported that in 2022, all-women startup teams received only 22% of the venture capital funding, an all-time low.
The tech industry continues to be male-dominated, but there are signs of progress. As of 2023, women make up about 28% of the tech workforce, a number that has been steadily increasing over the past decade.
Outsourcing offers a unique solution to some of the challenges that women in tech face. By leveraging global talent, companies can create more diverse and inclusive teams. Here are several ways outsourcing can support women in tech:
Outsourcing opens up opportunities to tap into a diverse talent pool worldwide. It includes regions with a higher representation of women in tech, allowing companies to benefit from a variety of perspectives and experiences.
Many outsourcing companies offer flexible work or even part time arrangements, which can be particularly beneficial for women who may need to balance professional and personal responsibilities. Flexible schedules and remote work options can help attract and retain female talent.
Outsourcing partners often have initiatives focused on promoting gender diversity. By partnering with them, businesses can align with and support efforts to create more inclusive workplaces.
Outsourcing companies frequently offer mentorship and professional development programs tailored to support women in tech. These programs can provide the guidance and support needed for career advancement.
Outsourcing can help mitigate gender bias by focusing on skills and competencies rather than gender. This objective approach ensures that the best talent is hired and nurtured, regardless of gender.
Despite ongoing challenges, more women are breaking through barriers and making significant contributions to the tech industry. One strategic approach that has proven to be instrumental in this progress is outsourcing. By partnering with external tech teams, many organisations have not only managed to scale their operations effectively but have also created invaluable opportunities for women in tech.
When done thoughtfully, outsourcing can lead to more diverse and inclusive project teams, bringing together perspectives and skills that enrich the development process. It supports women by providing them with substantial roles in high-impact projects, fostering an environment where they can thrive and excel.
InHerSight is a platform for women to rate the female-friendliness of companies and outsource their tech development to an all-women tech team.
This approach not only ensured the platform was built with a deep understanding of women’s needs but also supported women in tech by providing them with significant projects. The company reported increased user satisfaction and engagement. 9 of 10 women say the reviews and ratings on InHerSight help them make better career decisions.
Code First Girls aims to teach women coding skills for free. To scale their operations, they outsourced the development of their online learning platform.
By doing so, they became one of the world’s largest providers of free coding courses for women, delivering over £75 million worth of free technology education. The outsourced team included many female developers who contributed to a platform tailored for women.
Girls Who Code is an organisation dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology, outsourced the development of their digital curriculum platform.
This enabled them to reach more students across different regions, significantly increasing their impact. The outsourced development team, which included many female coders, brought valuable insights that improved the platform’s effectiveness for young girls learning to code. Girls Who Code saw a 45% increase in course completion rates and expanded their programs to 10 new countries.
These examples demonstrate how outsourcing can support women in tech by creating opportunities, fostering inclusive project environments, and leveraging diverse perspectives to build better products and services.
For women aspiring to thrive in the tech industry, here are some pieces of advice:
Find mentors who can provide guidance, support, and opportunities for growth. A mentor can help navigate the challenges and provide valuable insights into career development.
MentorNet is an online mentoring platform connecting students with mentors in STEM fields. This can be particularly useful for women in tech looking for guidance and support from experienced professionals.
ADPList is a global mentorship platform that offers free mentorship sessions from leaders in the tech industry. Women can find mentors by expertise, region, and interest.
Google offers a variety of programs to support women in tech, including mentorship opportunities through their Women Techmakers initiative. This program provides visibility, community, and resources for women in tech.
IBM’s Tech Re-Entry Program is designed for women returning to the tech industry after a career break. This program offers mentorship, skills training, and job placement support.
Tech Ladies is a community that connects women with the best jobs and opportunities in tech. They also offer a job board, networking events, and mentorship opportunities.
Girl Geek Dinners is an international organisation that hosts dinners for women in tech to network, learn, and find mentors.
Connect with other women in tech through professional networks, conferences, and online communities. A strong network can offer support, advice, and new opportunities.
For example, Ivy Tech Founder and MD, Carmen Lincolne, is actively developing her mum-preneur`s blog, unveiling the common pitfalls early-stage entrepreneurs encounter, sharing practical strategies for balancing family life and business responsibilities, and fostering connections with a diverse network of professionals. The blog also features insightful interviews, success stories, and expert advice, making it a valuable resource for those navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship while managing family life.
Carmen has also recently completed a female leadership program by the German-run company Ten More In, whose vision is to equip more women with leadership skills, confidence and networks.
Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies. Continuous learning and skill development are crucial in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
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In our company, we proudly champion gender diversity and inclusiveness. Women make up 89% of our internal team, senior management, and board, and 21% of our tech team. This remarkable statistic is not just a number but a reflection of our deep-seated commitment to creating a thriving environment for women in technology and leadership roles.
Our dedication to inclusiveness is present in every aspect of our operations. We have implemented comprehensive policies promoting equal opportunities, fostering career growth, and ensuring diverse voices are heard and valued.
We are honoured to announce that Ivy Tech has been named a finalist for the “Women-Led Business of the Year” at the British Business Awards 2024. Out of over 700 entries, our standout submission has distinguished us as one of the top nominees. This recognition underscores the strength and innovation of our women-led team and highlights our unwavering commitment to excellence in the tech sourcing industry.
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The future of diversity in tech is promising, but there is still much work to be done. Outsourcing can play a critical role in supporting women in tech by providing access to a diverse talent pool, offering flexible work arrangements, and promoting gender diversity. By addressing the challenges and leveraging the benefits of outsourcing, we can create a more inclusive and equitable tech industry for all.
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