We have all heard about the gaps between women and men in the workforce, especially in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Women are historically underrepresented in technology and development careers such as these. While the gap shows signs of closing, there is still room for improvement. What contributes to these inequalities? What can be done to address these issues? And how do we motivate young women to pursue and stay in STEM careers?

From TechTeamz, we break down the challenges surrounding women in technology and development.

Women’s current involvement in technology and development

In 2018, 58% of college degrees were awarded to women, while 53% of these degrees in STEM fields were awarded to women. However, the disparity is more remarkable in employment, especially in computer science and engineering, where women hold about 25% and 15% of jobs respectively. Likewise, according to a UNESCO study across 107 countries, only one in three researchers is a woman, with the UK and several EU countries falling below this average. In science and engineering fields, the EU fares better than the global average of 41% women. Certain countries, including Spain, are nearing 50% women or above in these fields.

While these statistics seem promising for women in technology fields, it is important to note that estimates by EngineeringUK indicate that women held only 16.5% of jobs in engineering fields there. Likewise, some statistics suggest that the number of women in computer science-related fields has declined since the 1980s, while another says it has only increased 2% in the past 20 years.

Why are there not more women in technology and development roles?

There are a lot of reasons that women may not pursue technology and development roles or careers. Many of these reasons are complex and do not have straightforward solutions. The path to more women in the STEM field requires strategy and policy changes from the national to the company level, eliminating the outdated practices which may deter women tech workers. For companies, simply being aware of the challenges facing women in technology is the first step in addressing the issue and understanding what’s facing women employees on your workforce:

Environment and exposure

The skills required for a STEM-related career are learned and can be achieved by any individual, regardless of gender. However, numerous studies have found that stereotypes and unconscious bias in STEM fields lower girls’ desires to enter these fields over time. A culture and learning environments that foster girls natural abilities and interests are imperative to diversification in STEM fields. The environment that girls are raised in, exposed to, and taught about heavily shapes their interests and achievements in STEM fields, and their belief that women can be successful in these careers.

Organizations such as Women Who Code are working on getting more women into computer science-related areas by inspiring and providing supportive environments for women in and entering STEM fields. The leadership, examples, community, and resources provided by such organizations are crucial to encouraging women to join these fields and stay over the long term.

Work-life balance and flexibility

All workers have other responsibilities off the job; more often than not, women are the primary homemakers and caregivers in addition to being career women. Due to this, work-life balance causes conflict for about 72% of women. When companies can promote a healthy work-life balance and allow employees flexibility in their schedule, more women will be more likely to take roles at tech companies that promote these values. Remote work is also another option to offer employees an alternate way of working, with a growing number of workers preferring a remote or hybrid model.

Benefits of having women in technology and development roles

Attracting and retaining women in the STEM workforce has the potential to increase innovation, imagination, and competitiveness. It is logical that when women are excluded or even underrepresented in developing new products and equipment, needs specific to women or other underrepresented populations may not be fully considered in the development and design of new technology. Diversity makes for more robust, adaptable and productive workplaces than less varied ones. After all, technology companies are often searching for the most innovative solutions and having the optimal mix on your team will ensure the best results.

As previously mentioned, Spain is nearing 50% women in science and engineering fields. TechTeamz, based in Spain, is proud to work towards the participation of women in technology and development roles. We value the role of women in STEM and strive to find many talented women to join our teams. Above all, our company promotes equality; from our experience, we have learned it fosters efficiency and other valuable traits. When you use TechTeamz as your engineering outsourcing solution, you can expect diversified teams with the critical skills to do the job your companies requires, exceeding all standards and expectations.