VIEWPOINT: Why Women Only Make Up One-Third of Tech Industries [Video]

The number of women working in STEM has grown by 31% since 2011; however, only about 30 percent of the tech sector comprises women. This begs the question: Why is there so little representation?

Unequal representation stems from seated societal norms, structural obstacles, and the persistent hurdles women encounter when pursuing opportunities, such as the gender pay gap and career stereotypes in the predominantly male tech industry. However, there are solutions to address this issue. Establishing mentorship programs, creating support systems, and implementing effective company policies that maintain gender neutrality when hiring and promoting employees are vital to fostering a more inclusive and diverse tech environment. 

Challenges encountered by women in STEM fields

From the early stages of their education, women are frequently given fewer chances in STEM fields than men. Societal influences impact this discrepancy, as stereotypes, although disproved, suggest that boys excel in math and science and continue to persist in educational institutions and households. A recent study by UNESCOrevealed that women …