Gender Gap: How To Boost Representation of Women in Tech(Nigeria)
By Lucy Eyo
Despite recent progress in gender equality, it is still common to see women underrepresented in the tech industry and Nigeria is no exception. . The gender gap in tech is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address it. In fact, the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics reports that women make up just 22 percent of the total number of people in Engineering, Mathematics, Science, and Technology in the country.
In this blog post, we will explore some of the reasons behind the gender gap in tech and suggest some solutions to boost the representation of women in this field.
Why is there a gender gap in tech?
One of the main reasons behind the gender gap in tech is the lack of female role models. The tech industry has traditionally been dominated by men, and this has created a culture that can be unwelcoming to women. This can deter women from pursuing careers in tech, as they may feel that they do not belong in this field.
Another reason behind the gender gap in tech is the lack of diversity in the recruitment process. Many tech companies tend to hire people who fit the same mold as the existing workforce, which can perpetuate the gender gap. Women may face unconscious bias during the recruitment process, which can lead to them being overlooked for positions.
How can we boost the representation of women in tech?
There are several steps that can be taken to boost the representation of women in tech. Here are some suggestions:
1. Promoting STEM Education for women
Introducing girls to stem topics from an early age and providing them with access to the necessary resources for such education can help them develop a passion for the subject and make them more likely to pursue careers in it, thereby making them gain access to the same opportunities as their male counterparts. It’s like putting water on a parched garden-it can foster growth and cultivate an environment of inclusion and opportunities.
For example, providing girls with exposure to coding and robotics at an early age can give them a sense of comfort and confidence in the tech field. This increased exposure can lead to more women in the tech industry and help to break the gender gap. Who knows, they can be the next Mark Zuckerberg or Sheryl Sandbag.
2. Accessibility and affordability of Tech devices:
In Nigeria, a country with an estimated population of 88.4 million people living in extreme poverty, 43.7 million of them are women. This presents a significant challenge when it comes to bridging the gender gap in tech. Women often lack access to basic technology devices, such as smartphones or computers, which severely limits their ability to participate in the tech industry.
If we want to boost the representation of women in tech, we need to make technology more accessible and affordable to everyone, regardless of their gender or socioeconomic status. This can be achieved through various initiatives, such as providing free or low-cost tech devices to women in under-served communities, offering scholarships to women interested in pursuing tech careers, and partnering with tech companies to provide mentorship and training programs.
3. Parental encouragement
Parental encouragement can play a pivotal role in shaping the career aspirations of young girls and women in the tech industry. It is a well-known fact that women are underrepresented in this field, and parental support can go a long way in addressing this issue. By providing encouragement and support, parents can inspire their daughters to pursue careers in tech and help break down the gender barriers that exist in this industry.
One way in which parents can support their daughters is by discussing the opportunities that are available in the tech world. This can involve exploring different career paths, such as software development, data science, cybersecurity, and more. By presenting these options, parents can help their daughters to understand the wide range of possibilities that are available to them.
Additionally, parents can do their own research and present their findings to their daughters. This can involve learning about different companies, job roles, and industry trends. By doing so, parents can help their daughters to make informed decisions about their career paths and provide guidance along the way.
4. Create inclusive workplaces and promote diversity in the recruitment processes.
Creating an inclusive workplace is crucial to attract and retain female talent in tech. This includes offering flexible working arrangements, paid parental leave, and a culture that values diversity. Companies can also implement unconscious bias training and mentorship programs to help women succeed in their careers and also implement blind hiring practices, which remove identifying information from resumes and applications, such as names and genders. This can help to eliminate unconscious bias during the recruitment process.
3. Visibility of female role models/Leadership in the Tech industry
Leadership positions are crucial to empower women and promote gender diversity in the tech industry. Women in leadership positions can serve as role models and advocates for gender equality in the workplace. By highlighting the achievements of successful female leaders in tech, we can showcase them as examples to follow and encourage more women to pursue leadership roles.Just like building a house, leadership positions provide the foundation and structure to empower women.
One way to increase the visibility of female role models in tech is through mentorship programs. Female leaders in tech can serve as mentors to young women and provide guidance and support throughout their careers. These mentorship programs can help women build the skills and confidence necessary to excel in the tech industry.
Another way to showcase female role models in tech is through media coverage. By highlighting the achievements of successful women in tech, we can inspire and empower other women to pursue careers in the industry. Media coverage can also serve as a platform to address the challenges that women face in the tech industry and promote gender diversity in the workplace.
Just like building a house, leadership positions provide the foundation and structure to empower women.
The gender gap in tech is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address it. Steve Pemberton a tech entrepreneur once wrote: “Courage is not only about finding bravery for ourselves, it is also about helping others find theirs.”By giving women a seat at the table, you are giving them the opportunity to finally say, “Hey, I’m not just here to make the meals!”