Amplification of gender gap in STEM industries after COVID-19
In the light of the recent International Women’s Day, we wanted to take a closer look at some key facts regarding the position of women in STEM industries (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Reports by the United Nations and McKinsey indicate that women are still largely underrepresented in STEM industries around the world. In European companies, for instance, women only hold 22% of all tech roles. Women in STEM encounter obstacles such as bias, discrimination, limited access to opportunities and networks, and a lack of role models and mentors. The reports emphasize the pressing need to increase efforts to address gender inequality, promote gender diversity and inclusivity in STEM fields, and harness the full potential of all individuals to advance society as a whole.
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has affected women in numerous negative ways, serving as a catalyst that strengthened and deepened all the pre-existing inequalities and challenges they have been facing. Women have experienced disproportionate job losses, increased risks of domestic violence, a heightened burden of unpaid care work, higher rates of poverty, and reduced access to healthcare. The pandemic has only highlighted and confirmed the urgency of prioritizing gender equity in our response and recovery efforts.
Test Consultant,
Sixsentix Poland
Closing the gender gap in our industry means two things for me: 1) actively encouraging women to be part of it and 2) creating entry opportunities for them.
Why is gender equality at a workplace important?
A workplace that fosters diversity and equal opportunities can bring multiple benefits. When a workplace is comprised of people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, that results in heightened creativity, which can facilitate effective problem-solving and innovation. This, in turn, can enable organizations to develop new products and services, improve their existing processes, and identify new opportunities. Moreover, companies that prioritize equal opportunities can enhance their reputation and brand image, attracting top talent and customers who value diversity and inclusion. When employees feel valued and included, they are more likely to be content with their jobs and remain with their employer for an extended period. This can result in lower employee turnover and higher employee morale. Also, in some reports it has been concluded that the companies encouraging diversity in top leadership positions tend to have better financial performance: they have higher profitability and stock value, as well as higher organizational effectiveness and productivity.
CEO & Founder,
Sixsentix
We at Sixsentix strive to provide all employees with the necessary tools and resources for success, irrespective of their gender, and we are taking measures to ensure that our workplace reflects this principle. We invest in initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion, and review our policies regularly to ensure they are equitable. While change takes time, we are dedicated to making progress towards a stronger and more resilient organization.
How to get to a gender-equal workplace?
Many tech companies have implemented a variety of initiatives and programs to close the gender gap, empower women and increase diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Here are some examples:
1. Secure equal opportunities: Ensure that women have access to the same opportunities as men in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, and salary. Implement policies and practices that guarantee impartial treatment of all employees, irrespective of gender.
2. Create a supportive and inclusive work culture and organisation: Foster a work environment that values diversity and inclusion, specifically promoting and supporting women. This can involve offering flexible working arrangements, providing resources for childcare and eldercare etc. Adopting the hybrid work model can provide significant benefits for women leading to a better work-life balance and overall job satisfaction, while reduced commuting times and improved job access are advantages that can benefit women in areas with limited job opportunities or in cases where relocation is not possible.
3. Offer learning and development prospects to assist women in acquiring the abilities and expertise necessary for thriving in technology positions: This may incorporate different mentorship initiatives, pairing women with experienced colleagues who can offer direction and encouragement, technical training classes, and enabling women to interact with other professionals in their area. Additionally, it can encompass preparing women for leadership positions.
4. Recognize and reward women's contributions: Acknowledge and appreciate the valuable input of women in the workplace, and guarantee that their concepts and achievements are recognized. This could involve establishing an accolade system, giving public acknowledgement, and creating opportunities for women to share their success stories.
In general, enabling women in the workplace demands a comprehensive strategy that necessitates the active involvement of both genders in the workplace and in the wider community.
Operations,
Sixsentix Germany
Sixsentix Germany is helping closing this gap by 1) having a generous parental leave 2) giving us flexibility in our working hours and also working models and 3) by also being a flat organization and giving us autonomy over our work.
This is how we do it at Sixsentix
While researching this topic, we did a short interview with a group of our colleagues, to discover what closing the gender gap means to them, what our company does regarding this important matter, and what advice they can give to women who want to succeed in tech industry. Let’s hear them out!
This year, we organized a panel discussion on March 8th, 2023, during our regular All-Hands Meeting, with colleagues from different legal entities to discuss the importance of closing the gender gap. The hybrid event had over 350 team members in attendance, with some joining remotely.
Our panelists, Marina Krstić, Ionela Marineata, Mina Čanković-Vrbaški, Romina Pierce and Julita Trautsolt, supported by our CEO, Filip Milikić, and our long-time host, Zoran Stanojević, shared personal stories, discussed unconscious bias and how it could be overcome, and provided practical tips for women to succeed in the workplace. They also highlighted the crucial role of companies in creating a diverse and inclusive culture that supports all employees, regardless of gender. We thank the panelists and attendees for contributing to the event's success and remain committed to continuing the dialogue and supporting women's advancement.
Test Consulting,
Sixsentix Serbia
My advice for women who want to succeed in tech is: be positive, take the lead and lead by example. In this industry learning is a never ending process, be aware of that and do not be satisfied in being skilled in only one area. Learn something new every day. Show that you care. Become the go-to person and build your integrity.
More work awaits...
At Sixsentix, we're proud of our progress towards creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, but acknowledge that more work needs to be done. Let's join efforts to challenge stereotypes and promote company initiatives that combat bias. And on an individual level, we can always start with small steps, by avoiding phrases that perpetuate stereotypes, such as "She's too emotional for this project," or "She's going to start a family soon, so we can't rely on her." It's also important to avoid assuming that all women are interested in family and work-life balance. Together, we can create a workplace where all individuals, regardless of gender, can thrive and reach their full potential. We remain committed to continuously improving our efforts and making meaningful changes to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities and is treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.