The global survey shows that 87 percent believe that women are underrepresented in IT.
This is despite the fact that ISACA’s ‘Tech Workplace and Culture’ report shows that 74 percent of companies also admit that it is difficult to attract and retain talent. A total of 7,726 tech experts around the world were surveyed.
The reason given for the underrepresentation of women by 43 percent of the female respondents and 21 percent of the male respondents was that most role models and leaders in the industry are male. The second most common reason given was the unequal pay – which was mentioned by 42 percent of women, but only 15 percent of men.
Overall, men rate their authority in certain areas higher than women. This difference between the two genders is particularly high in purchasing decisions (difference of 13 percentage points) and in contributions to the strategy and direction of the company (difference of 10 percentage points).
“More needs to be done to increase the representation of women in IT and the technology sector — and more needs to be done to accept them as leaders and decision makers,” says Julia Kanouse, chief membership officer at ISACA and director of the SheLeadsTech program.“ Not only will this help reduce the talent shortage and increase productivity in the industry — it will also make the work environment more diverse and inclusive.”
Survey respondents say schools and universities could do more to promote gender equality:
- Provide mentors and female role models (52 percent)
- Establish tech clubs and/or networking organizations for women (42 percent)
- Hire more female tech professors (31 percent)
68 percent of women and 72 percent of men say they are extremely or very satisfied with the development of their careers. In addition, 73 percent of women and 71 percent of men said they received a salary increase or were promoted in the past two years.
Sarah Orton, who leads ISACA’s SheLeads initiative in the UK and Europe, said: ” Having a workforce with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives is not only the right idea – it’s a business advantage that makes an organisation more effective. Progress has been made – but the industry still has a long way to go and ISACA supports this important work.”
