90 per cent of women find their careers rewarding, despite 90 per cent also having been subject to gender bias, shedding light on the duality of passion and barriers faced by women leaders in technology roles, according to new research from AND Digital.
The findings were revealed in AND Digital’s new ‘Rewards & Resilience’ report, which surveyed 200+ women leaders in tech roles to highlight the successes and challenges of being a leader in the industry.
The report is endorsed by Dame Stephanie Shirley, author of ‘Let It Go’, who commented:
This report celebrates the achievements and accomplishments of senior female professionals; suggests a pathway for more women to achieve senior roles and it provides a roadmap for a more gender-diverse tech industry.
Dame Stephanie Shirley
The report highlighted significant economic opportunities and potential for independence that a career in tech has to offer, juxtaposed against persistent gender bias. Almost 90 per cent of women leaders love their work, with four in five feeling they have succeeded in their role. Interestingly, only 3 per cent had considered leaving their tech role.
However, the dual experience of women in tech was showcased by 90 per cent having faced gender bias and over 60 per cent having experienced gender discrimination.
It was found that the pandemic and cost of living have disproportionately disadvantaged women. In a tech industry that can offer enormous financial, intellectual, career and wellbeing rewards, women occupy just 24 per cent of roles, dropping to a worryingly low 5 per cent in leadership positions. There are two million vacancies in the UK tech sector worth £150 billion to the UK economy.
In terms of rewards, job satisfaction among women in tech is high, with 89 per cent stating they enjoy their job, while 79 per cent they’ve succeeded in their role.
However, women have had to show continued resilience to thrive in the sector, with 10 per cent still experiencing bias and discrimination regularly. Nearly 80 per cent admitted that they have encountered challenges on their journey to becoming a leader. While women in enterprise businesses are more likely to feel unsupported by their organisations in terms of resources and opportunities for upskilling compared to smaller businesses.
Wendy Stonefield London Hub Executive at AND Digital said:
There’s been huge progress if you look at the focus on bringing female talent through organisations. But I think in some cases it is forced, a case of people having to demonstrate progress because clients are demanding it. People need to be much more aware of the cultures they create and recognise that bringing real diversity to the table is no longer optional.
Wendy Stonefield London Hub Executive at AND Digital
‘Rewards & Resilience’ is the latest in a series of measures by AND to champion the role of women in tech roles. The company is rolling out initiatives to support women in tech, including a dedicated women-in-tech community, the AND She Can programme, and truly flexible working policies.
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.