Technology has helped breakdown gender stereotypes by making it possible for women to work in traditionally male dominated fields. Currently, women constitute nearly 36% of the tech workforce (according to NASSCOM). However, despite this progress, there remains a notable disparity when it comes to career advancement, C-suite positions, and securing funding for start-ups.
A report from Skillsoft, titled “Women in Tech Report India Region,” reveals that only 7% of women hold executive-level positions, with 13% in director-level roles and 17% in mid-level managerial positions. The competitive and demanding nature of jobs in the tech sector, combined with a work culture that presents challenges for women to balance professional and family life, contributes to the decline in women’s representation in senior management. Moreover, pervasive gender bias and discrimination persist in the workplace, presenting a significant obstacle to achieving equality and inclusion. Addressing these challenges is crucial for creating an environment where women can not only enter tech fields but also thrive in leadership roles.
There are 2 big areas that need to be traversed by women if they want to grow and achieve leadership roles in the IT sector : Adopting emerging technologies : Fuelled by the transformative capabilities of emerging technologies like Generative AI, Deep Learning, Blockchain, and Data Science, businesses are increasingly shifting toward skills-based recruitment and workforce development. The rapid evolution of technology, occurring every ten years (see table) and the pace of technological change has led to the evolution of job skills, which often outstrips our ability to upskill. It is imperative for women to embrace this transformation to avoid falling behind. The most sought-after skills will revolve around leveraging cutting-edge technologies and tools to unlock an organization’s potential.
Effective Thrive Skills (Soft skills): While challenges of upskilling continues to exist, those who have reached a level of seniority say that effective thrive skills such as communication skills, leadership, adapting to the changing environment, perseverance,ability to collaborate and time management, are equally important elements when it comes to advancing in their careers.
Soft skills play a pivotal role in steering successful IT careers, sometimes even surpassing the realm of hardcore technical expertise. While technical know-how is crucial, non-technical skills are equally, if not more, important for IT professionals. Effective communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence are vital contributors to a prosperous IT career, surpassing the significance of technical upskilling.
The tech sector urgently requires a comprehensive strategy that empowers women in tech, fostering an environment where they can not only thrive but also experience substantial growth.
The answer lies in tailoring programs to specific goals.
A program could consist of a variety of initiatives – whether they’re looking to connect with a mentor, learn new skills, lead high-visibility assignments through executive sponsors, or develop leadership competencies.
Talent leaders play a crucial role in steering the transition towards skills-based talent strategies, encouraging companies to assess the potential of individuals beyond their existing experience and hard skills. In a genuinely skills-based organization, this mindset goes beyond the initial hiring stage, extending to lifelong learning throughout career journeys, aiming to enhance knowledge, skills, and competencies continually. An effective starting point is offering targeted reskilling programs for business functions where women are overrepresented, addressing roles that are particularly vulnerable. It’s essential to emphasize gender-neutral content and flexible formats to accommodate diverse workloads and ensure inclusivity.
The author is Go-to Market Strategy expert and senior partner at BOD Consulting.