The rapid advancements in technology are rapidly changing the world and the way we work, with the Covid-19 pandemic further accelerating this transformation. Technology has positively impacted our lives by streamlining customer interactions, creating new experiences, and enhancing processes for businesses. While it is an exciting time to work in the tech industry, there is still a lack of opportunities and space for women to lead within the sector, writes Tanuja Randery, Managing Director of Amazon Web Services EMEA in Forbes.
The following are key excerpts from Randery’s post.
It is projected that by 2030, less than 25% of ICT specialists will be female, which is only a slight increase from the current global position of 19%. To bridge the digital skills gap and create a more diverse workforce, leaders must work together to encourage more girls and young women to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Only one in three STEM graduates in Europe are female, so it is essential to showcase tech careers to girls and young women through programs like AWS GetIT, which inspires the next generation of tech leaders through app-building competitions, digital and IT skills training, and exposure to STEM careers.
The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted women’s employment, with a decline of 4.2% in 2020, equating to 54 million job losses worldwide, and it has yet to rebound to pre-pandemic levels. The tech industry has a unique opportunity and responsibility to create new businesses, generate employment opportunities, reshape the global economy, and promote diversity and equity. Women in technology are in a unique position to lead this transformation, as nearly every business is now a tech business.
Women possess unique leadership skills, including humility, self-awareness, self-control, and emotional intelligence, which have been proven to make powerful and progressive business impacts. The tech industry should harness these skills fully to unlock the rich possibilities of women in tech leadership roles.
Paid leave and leave-sharing programs can help employees find balance when starting families, and pay equity is an urgent starting point, especially to make it financially viable for women to return to work after starting a family without being penalized. The tech industry should eliminate outdated barriers and make it easier for women to establish long-term, senior roles without sacrificing their personal lives.
Randery ends her post on a high note saying the number of women-in-tech industry events, affinity groups, and communities are increasing, indicating that the tech industry is heading in the right direction.