How can we encourage more women into IT? Computing readers give their views

Computing recently asked for your ideas to help gender diversity in IT. We were overwhelmed by your responses – here are some of the best…

It's well-known that IT has a gender diversity issue. Whilst the conversation is now very open, the pace of change is still glacial.

According to figures from the Office of National Statistics from March this year, women hold just 31 per cent of the UK's IT positions. When you start to look at senior positions that figure plummets to a disappointing 10 per cent.

Recently Computing asked for your ideas to help improve the situation. We were overwhelmed by the volume and quality of your responses. Whilst we don't have space for them all, here are some of the best.

• Promote the benefits of remote and flexible working, and how well they fit with the 'always on and always evolving' tech industry - the fact that the glass ceiling is fading with the continued evolution of the digital age - especially in Tech, where talent and knowledge are tangible.
• Offer truly flexible working hours and locations! If big companies start offering part time roles properly (not apply then change) or job share 2 people in 1 full time role, or flexible hours to fit around the individual, many more women would work in tech!
• Tech organisations should budget for 'women only' junior cohorts , make it mandatory to commit to sponsor stem female events / cohorts at universities and bootcamps or apprentices - Create and commit to platforms where we can hire and develop young next generation female talent
• Better female health care incentives, for example support around, pregnancy, menopause, endometriosis, as a mainly male dominated industry it is difficult to have understanding and support as a woman going through the menopause I just get shrugged off when having a hot flush etc..
• Create more awareness of the great career women can have in tech - salary potential, career development opportunities, range of job roles (not just coding!!), travel etc. Showcase women in different roles and why they enjoy their career and all the benefits it brings.
• Have more experienced women (preferably mothers) showcase their background, alongside their male counterparts - including the hidden agendas of homelife, the need for support at home in order to continue a job in IT, the need for a balanced gender at the more senior levels
• Get serious about addressing, challenging and changing men's misogynistic views and behaviours. Spearhead the development of programs that tackle men's negative and destructive ideas and views. Women will join the profession, and stay, if it is a profession that is welcoming, fair and egalitarian. They will leave if abusive.
• Get involved with schools to educate young girls about the various careers in tech, and how to get there through female Role models. It is important to close many myths about the tech roles for the younger generation so that they consider these roles in the future.
• So many young women are put off going into the tech sector as they wrongly think computer science A-Level/Degree/ maths/engineering is needed. I did Drama, Film and TV at university, fell into IT got trained up as an engineer - demonstrating the different roles on offer/WIT story telling.
• Organisations need to be the driving force behind encouraging more women to rise into more tech roles by changing the culture. An IT business looking to recruit more women should focus on mentoring programs, promoting a more gender-inclusive culture, and a forum within the organisation to support women.
• Reserve free spaces at events for those interested/ in lower level jobs. I often see events aimed at industry professional that are executive level or C-suite. It is at these events that people learn about different roles, understand the opportunities and see role models. Free spaces = inspiration.

The Women in Tech Festival will be happening on the 22nd and 23rd November 2021 - reserve your place now!