By Kerry Venter, Cryptanalyst at Springboard.
Women make up 47.7% of the global workforce but only 26% of jobs in computer-related sectors are done by women. To put this in perspective, in the last 20 years there has only been a 2 per cent growth in the number of female software engineers. The numbers get even smaller when you focus on the more senior roles and the gender pay gap for similar roles is still evident. This isn’t just inequitable; it isn’t good for business.
Research shows that when employees “think their organisation is committed to and supportive of diversity, and they feel included”, innovation revenue increases by 83%, says Deloitte. The same research also holds that an organisation that is inclusive is twice as likely to go above its financial targets and as much as eight times more likely to achieve better business outcomes.
Leading by example
Springboard sees the value of a gender-balanced workforce. I first came across Springboard as a
customer and contacted Springboard’s CEO, Andrew Whitelaw, to secure a position at the company.
He firmly believes that tech and telecoms businesses need to start looking past the gender of professionals.
Observing the talent first and the true value women can add to our industry is incredibly important. Springboard has always and will continue to promote diversity and inclusion initiatives within the company and hopes to inspire the same from others.
Action To Drive Change
Recognising the challenges women face in the sector is the first step to creating a more balanced and representative industry. There is a clear business case for organisations to actively help women develop their skills, build their confidence and provide a secure career pathway to create more robust and successful businesses.
While there are initiatives such as the recently announced drive by Ofcom and the UK’s biggest telecoms operators to recruit more women into senior tech roles, the real change must come from small to mid-sized companies. These account for the majority of the global workforce that will be able to enact the most visible change with the biggest impact. After all, those senior women have to start somewhere.
Women starting on their career journeys face daunting challenges when embarking on a role in tech. The lack of female representation makes it hard to identify a clear path for career progression. I hope that by being more visible in the industry I can help women see the potential of what a job in technology could be. I firmly believe that if you can see it, you can be it. And if I can spark the interest of just a handful of women starting on their career, I’ll be happy.
Springboard has created an environment where women can thrive and are encouraged to go for the opportunities in tech and telecoms. By creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, Springboard is reaping the benefits of a vibrant business with a fresh approach and innovative ideas.
Get in touch with our team at Springboard today: sales@springboardasa.com
