Breaking the Bias: Women in tech

Written by Nichola Hay MBE, Chief Operating Officer at Estio Training

The digital economy is one of the fastest growing industries in the world right now. However, the gender gap (fuelled by the gender pay gap), means that females are severely underrepresented in this evolving field. Through encouraging women to explore tech careers from a young age, this industry has the power to be a leader in promoting gender equality. Unfortunately, studies show that this is still a male-dominated field, with a need for more and more women to become a part of it.

Promoting opportunities from a young age

The gender gap begins at school where for a lot of students, this will be their only chance to learn about technology. In a research survey by technology leader Sheridan Ash, it was founded that only 27% of female students would consider a career in IT compared to 61% of males and, only 3% of females would choose a career in IT as their first choice.

With such a startling difference you’ve got to wonder, why?

What does #BreakTheBias mean for Women in Tech?

In honour of International Women’s Day, we are supporting to break the bias by addressing the current lack of women in technology, which is tainted by gender stereotypes built through previous generations.

Gender stereotypes can push girls into taking part in non-technological subjects where they lack exposure to learn the technical skills which are needed to thrive in the digital and IT sector. If girls aren’t encouraged to take part in tech subjects from a young age, they will lack confidence within these increasingly vital skills.

Through working together to unpiece this bias, it helps us to dismantle it and move forward. This in turn brings together new opportunities for both women and men, as they learn and work together.

What can businesses do to Break the Bias?

As it stands, the skillsets in the digital world are not moving at the rate at which the digital economy is growing, and organisations across the world are witnessing increasing skills gaps.

Businesses can support bridging the gender gap by actively encouraging women into the workforce.

Having a diverse workforce and investing in upskilling and training helps to improve retention and support women in feeling encouraged and recognised. This alone can support to break the bias, close the gender gap, and uplift women into more senior roles.

Supporting women in the workplace

Together, BPP and Estio Training are working to break the bias by supporting women in training towards successful careers in technology through delivering a broad portfolio of programmes across professional courses, apprenticeships, and vocational university degrees. No matter where you are in your career journey, it’s never too late to follow your passion – whether that’s considering a new career path in tech related roles or continued professional development. Let’s Break the Bias together!

Find out more about our data and technology programmes here.

About Nichola Hay MBE

Nichola is the Chief Operating Officer and a Board Director at Estio Training. She is also the Chair of the Association of Employment and Learning Providers (AELP).