Why we need more women in Tech this International Women’s Day

It's easy for women to be discouraged from pursuing a career in tech if they continue to view the statistics around gender diversity and pay as a reason not to try. Instead, they should back themselves to be part of the change we all want to see—and that's already underway. 

Indeed, tech is still male-dominated, and equality gets less visible the closer you get to the C-suite. 

But, and it's a big but, things are changing. 

It's not as fast as the products we develop and sell. Still, the number of women in the industry is increasing—thought to be around 26% according to the Women In Tech Survey 2023—and so is the number of women getting promoted to senior positions.

Those women, women like me, want things to change further, sooner, and faster, and we need your help to do so. 

We need companies to be more forthright in selling themselves as equal-opportunity employers, schools and universities to nudge more young women into the industry—not just men—and, most importantly, enterprising young women to give it a chance. 

They don't need to forget what they've heard about tech or read, but they need to put it aside - just for a moment - send in their CVs, sell themselves, and claim a seat at the table. Once there, they'll change those statistics and headlines and open that door wider for the next group of women to walk through more efficiently. 

As a hiring manager, the biggest obstacle I face in reversing gender imbalance isn't convincing my male colleagues of the merits of female candidates - it's getting women to apply in the first place. 

Exactly why isn't clear, but confidence undoubtedly plays a part.

While men traditionally back themselves and hope they will work it out on the job, women are more inclined to rule themselves out. Sometimes, over something as minor as not thinking they meet a single bullet point or two on a job description.

When I joined the industry almost 20 years ago, I heard all the same things potential candidates are being put off by today. Still, I just saw it as a challenge, another obstacle to overcome like any other in a professional setting.

I knew I could do the job. If I got it, I just needed to prove it, and I did.

Of course, there were attempts to pigeonhole me along the way, suggestions my gender made me more suitable for some roles rather than others, but when I questioned the logic - because often there wasn't any - the right decisions were made. I've learned people aren't generally out to get you; if a company is paying you to do a job, they want you to do the best job you can. 

Easier said than done, perhaps, when you're navigating the early part of your career. But the tightrope of challenges can be crossed. If you can clearly express what you disagree with or want to change, and your motivations align with the broader goals of the business, then initiate the conversation and drive the change.

You can prove yourself while pushing back, but doing so doesn't mean you'll be branded a troublemaker rather than a team player. 

I wish I'd found my professional voice sooner to avoid stereotypes and assumptions influencing my work, enjoyment, and progression. However, it took me a while to realise that taking issue with something isn't a fight. It's just a question, and commonsense prevails if asked in the right way and tone. 

Realising the importance of culture is another thing. 

While a company might sell the best product in the world, it won't always be the best company to work for. Or the best fit for you. 

Hiring managers need to hire people who work in the role and the team. And employees need to do their homework to ensure they're choosing companies that will work for them. After all, why not work somewhere with a company culture that suits you, then try and change it? 

This International Women's Day, let's back ourselves. 

Women, please take a chance on tech. We want you, and we need you. 

There's a gender imbalance, but it's not us versus them. By getting more women involved, we can raise the bar for everyone. Tech is about change. Let's make it together.