For a long time, men have dominated the technology industry, leaving women with only a minimal share of its workforce. Although there has been some progress towards increasing gender diversity in tech, there is still a considerable distance to cover.
As more businesses acknowledge the advantages of having a diverse workforce, HR departments have a crucial responsibility in fostering inclusivity and supporting women in tech.
To attract and retain female talent, HR departments must proactively build an inclusive culture. HR departments should also collaborate closely with managers and team leaders to guarantee that they are actively hiring and promoting women in tech while providing them with the necessary support and resources to succeed.
“Women make a significant contribution to the tech industry. They bring a unique viewpoint to the field, create innovation, drive revenue-generating ventures, make deals, empower change and bring tremendous value,” said Asli Cakir, Vice President Human Resources, Schneider Electric, Gulf Countries.
According to Harvard Business Review, companies with more diverse teams are better at understanding and meeting the needs of their customers. By bringing a unique perspective to product development, women ensure that technology products are not only inclusive and accessible, but better.
“Notwithstanding their talent and skills, women still face barriers from unconscious bias to gender discrimination. The gender pay gap and under-representation of women in leadership positions remains issues we need to address urgently. These barriers can limit a woman’s career growth and impact their professional development,” explained Cakir.
She added, “To overcome these barriers, it’s essential to create an inclusive work environment that values diversity and provides equal opportunities for everyone.”
According to Cakir, technology companies can play a pivotal role in promoting the participation of women in the digital era.
“One way tech players can support women in the industry is by implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives. This can include establishing women-specific hiring programs, providing mentorship, and coaching opportunities, as well as offering flexible arrangements to support work-life balance,” she said.
Another way tech players can support women is by providing funding and resources for women to pursue technical degrees and certifications.
“This will help to bridge the gender gap in technology and provide women with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the digital economy,” explained Cakir.
Sharing her wisdom to individuals who aspire to become technology leaders, Cakir noted that to be successful in the tech space, entrepreneurs and leaders need to be bold, agile and willing to embrace change – not simply speaking about it. Â
“I would also encourage aspiring tech leaders to focus on developing their soft skills. While technical knowledge is incredibly important, being able to communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and lead teams are critical skills for success in any field and sector,” she said.
