The Disparity Between Genders in Tech Is Growing & Women Report Lack of Training
AI is the primary topic women want to learn about, yet 63% report a lack of skills and access to training on the job.
Women have long been underrepresented in the tech space, however new research shows the disparity between women and men pursuing careers in tech is actually growing. Earlier this year, Forbes reported that the number of women in technology leadership roles has fallen from 35% in 1984 to 28% now.
A new study by Skillsoft, an employee development company, found that although women are reentering the workforce faster than men — the technology sector remains an outlier. Many women have faced challenges while pursuing tech-related careers.
According to the study, 46% of women pursuing a tech-related career said they dealt with ineffective leadership and management. Another 38% of women said they faced a lack of equity in pay and 35% faced a lack of equity in opportunities. Nearly a quarter of women say they were confronted with a lack of professional development and training opportunities while pursuing a career in tech.
Many women in tech are eager to learn new skills, especially in areas such as AI, but they are not always provided with opportunities to succeed.
“While there are more opportunities for women than ever before, leaders must provide intentional support and foster the development of critical skills so that they can thrive, lead, and push the business forward. Diversity fosters innovation, and therefore advancing women’s skills, particularly in areas like AI, can lead to the development of more creative and equitable solutions to business problems, said Orla Daly, Chief Information Officer at Skillsoft.
According to Skillsoft, AI is the primary topic women want to learn about, yet 63% report a lack of skills and access to training on the job.
So what do women in tech recommend to those who are looking to join the industry? Skillsoft found that 67% of women in tech recommend investing in education, such as certifications, degrees and training. Additionally, women in tech recommend trying out different roles, finding a mentor and staying up to date with tech trends.