VIEWPOINT: Why Women Only Make Up One-Third of Tech Industries

The number of women working in STEM has grown by 31% since 2011; however, only about 30 percent of the tech sector comprises women. This begs the question: Why is there so little representation?

Tara Darbyshire | PHOTO COURTESY OF OTTER PUBLIC RELATIONS

Unequal representation stems from seated societal norms, structural obstacles, and the persistent hurdles women encounter when pursuing opportunities, such as the gender pay gap and career stereotypes in the predominantly male tech industry. However, there are solutions to address this issue. Establishing mentorship programs, creating support systems, and implementing effective company policies that maintain gender neutrality when hiring and promoting employees are vital to fostering a more inclusive and diverse tech environment. 

Challenges encountered by women in STEM fields

From the early stages of their education, women are frequently given fewer chances in STEM fields than men. Societal influences impact this discrepancy, as stereotypes, although disproved, suggest that boys excel in math and science and continue to persist in educational institutions and households. A recent study by UNESCO revealed that women represent over 30 percent of the global STEM workforce — a striking disparity highlighting the limited opportunities accessible to them in these fields. 

Women who opt for careers in STEM often encounter challenges in fields like technology, where biases are prevalent in recruitment and advancement. A study by McKinsey conducted in 2023 revealed a significant gender gap in managerial positions held by men compared to women, which hinders women’s progress due to limited mentorship and leadership opportunities. 

In many tech companies, we also face the issue of workplace culture being labeled as “bro culture,” underscoring the exclusion of women in office settings that often leave them feeling undervalued and isolated. As these workplace cultures perpetuate, women leave traditional corporate tech roles to blaze their own trail, creating a corporate brain drain and the loss of diverse voices in traditional corporate industries due to the constant pressure to “prove” themselves and confront various forms of discrimination. 

Establishing mentorship connections and building a supportive network 

Effectively closing this divide requires fostering mentorship and creating communities for women in various STEM fields. Women must witness individuals successfully reflecting their identities across different hierarchical positions, particularly leadership roles, to visualize their capabilities and possibilities. Initiatives that connect women with mentors possessing experience in overcoming obstacles encountered in STEM-centric industries can offer the necessary direction and motivation required for achieving success. 

Having a mentor can empower women to boost their self-assurance, access training and networking resources, fine-tune their career plans, and grow their connections in the professional world. In STEM industries, where women are undervalued and underrepresented, having a mentor can be crucial in helping them navigate the predominantly male environment while proving their value. 

Women-focused professional networks, such as the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) or Girls Who Code, provide resources like career development workshops and networking events for women in STEM. They also serve as platforms for advocacy where women can collaborate, support one another, and share strategies for overcoming challenges in the industry. 

Why Delaware should support women in STEM fields

The tech industry in Delaware is experiencing rapid growth. Due to its flourishing tech sector, which encompasses fintech companies and biotech firms, alongside the rising prominence of cybersecurity players, Delaware has the potential to spearhead advancements in gender diversity within STEM fields and foster talented, exceptional workers. 

To kickstart this investment initiative, we must first and foremost prioritize education in Delaware’s tech landscape through collaborative efforts involving tech firms and educational institutions, from universities down to elementary schools. Initiatives like coding camps or technology workshops targeted towards young women to spark their interest and maintain their self-confidence in STEM fields early on play a crucial role in breaking down barriers and misconceptions that deter them from exploring careers in these domains. 

Furthermore, Delaware can incentivize businesses to adopt gender diversity initiatives that foster environments for women in the workforce. Providing tax breaks or financial support to companies dedicated to recruiting, supporting, and advancing women in STEM areas could position Delaware as a frontrunner in hiring and retaining valuable and often overlooked talent, promoting gender equality, and improving families’ incomes.

While systemic hurdles and cultural prejudices influence the lack of women in STEM, it’s not an impossible obstacle to overcome. We can take the first steps toward narrowing this disparity by fostering mentorship programs and establishing learning and collaboration communities. Delaware stands poised to lead in this endeavor, playing a role in advancing STEM fields and ensuring greater female representation and influence in the tech industry. 

Empowering women in technology is more than an inclusion initiative or a moral imperative. When more women have better-paying jobs, the economy grows. It represents a wise investment in fostering future innovations and sustained economic growth for everyone. 

Tara Darbyshire is a Co-Founder and EVP of Strategic Partnerships & Accounts, responsible for SmartSuite’s high-value corporate accounts and strategic alliances. She is focused on pursuing and directing enterprise-level sales opportunities, strategic partnering to benefit the SmartSuite customer base, and cross-functional collaboration with our partners and customers to ensure exceptional results. Before SmartSuite, Tara served as Co-Founder and Executive Vice President of Business Development and Sales for Archer Technologies, a leading risk and compliance software company serving Fortune 500 companies globally.