International Women’s Day (IWD) is approaching this Friday (March 8), with the theme for this year being ‘Invest in women: Accelerate progress’ accompanied by the hashtag #InvestInWomen. Industry experts recognize that bringing more women into the tech field and investing in their future is crucial to cultivating a skilled workforce that can drive further advancements in the industry.
However, a study from PwC UK titled “Women in Tech: Time to close the gender gap” revealed that only 27% of female respondents considered a career in tech, significantly lower than the 62% of male respondents. The report highlighted that 61% of women were deterred from pursuing tech careers due to a lack of information and guidance about the industry.
Moreover, the perception of a male-dominated industry and reports such as the “2023 Global Leadership Forecast” by Development Dimensions International, which stated that only 28% of leadership roles in tech are held by women, further discourage women from entering the field. Workplace discrimination and unequal compensation levels also add to the challenges faced by women in tech.
Following Elon Musk’s acquisition of X (formerly Twitter) in 2022 and subsequent mass layoffs, former employees filed a lawsuit against the social media platform alleging discriminatory layoffs. The lawsuit revealed that 59% of female engineers were laid off compared to 45% of males in the department.
Google also faced legal issues last year over alleged wage disparities for Ulku Rowe, a director of engineering in the company’s cloud unit. Rowe claimed she was paid significantly less than male counterparts with similar qualifications and experience, and was denied promotions as a result of her complaints. She was awarded US$1.15 million in a settlement against Google.
The United Nations hopes that this year’s IWD theme will encourage investments in women and gender-equality measures to foster a more inclusive society, amplify women’s voices, and accelerate progress in various fields.
Encouraging Equity
Hana Raja, the managing director of Cisco Malaysia, emphasizes the importance of investing in women’s education and changing perceptions of the tech industry from an early age. She believes that introducing and encouraging girls to explore STEM topics in schools can lead to a greater interest in tech careers. Investing in resources like the Cisco Networking Academy can help equip women for roles in the industry.
Lum Joy Deng, chief corporate development officer at Touch ‘n Go Sdn Bhd, highlights the transformative impact women can bring to the tech industry. She stresses that women offer unique problem-solving perspectives, resulting in more creative and inclusive technology solutions. Lum advocates for empowering women with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in tech careers and become industry leaders.
Farah Jaafar, vice-president of the Fintech Association of Malaysia (FAOM), underscores the importance of investing in women, especially in emerging technologies like AI. She believes women’s perspectives are crucial in AI development to counteract potential gender biases in AI programs.
Tung Yan Ning, co-founder of Claz’room College, suggests creating specialized programs to help women overcome industry challenges and thrive in fields like gaming. She emphasizes the necessity of gender diversity in the video game industry for innovation and creativity.
Empowering Women
Hana Raja encourages women to believe in their abilities, seize opportunities, and advocate for themselves in the workplace. She emphasizes the importance of standing up for deserving promotions, raises, and professional growth. Lum Joy Deng echoes this sentiment, stressing the significance of understanding one’s value, skills, and accomplishments in the tech industry.
Lum believes that companies play a vital role in providing inclusive environments that support women in their tech careers. She suggests implementing flexible work arrangements, transparent career progression paths, and leadership development programs for women. Mentorship and sponsorship programs can also aid in advancing and retaining women in tech roles.
Elissa Irhamy, founder of Wanita Data, emphasizes the need for women in leadership roles to motivate others. She believes that eliminating workplace harassment and providing equal opportunities for women can create a more inclusive tech environment.
Tung Yan Ning stresses the importance of recognizing and valuing women’s contributions in the tech industry, allowing them to leverage their strengths and thrive. She advocates for initiatives that support women in balancing professional and personal commitments, leading to more women in leadership positions.
Nuraizah Shamsul Baharin, managing director of MADCash, encourages women to seek mentors and be proactive in their career advancement. She believes that visibility of women in tech is crucial for inspiring young women to pursue careers in the industry.
Support groups like Wanita Data provide resources for women to collaborate, upskill, and network in the tech industry. Elissa hopes that investments in female talents will ensure their longevity and success in tech fields.
