Women in the tech and digital industries have played a role that is often overlooked. From visionary pioneers to contemporary experts, their impact is undeniable. However, despite the significant contributions of women such as Ada Lovelace, Grace Hopper and Hedy Lamarr, the tech sector remains largely male-dominated. In fact, only 24% of jobs in the digital professions are held by women
Let’s take a look at the current situation, the persistent challenges and the initiatives aimed at promoting the presence of women in Tech, this essential field.
The historic role of women in tech and digital technology
Let’s go back in time to the pioneering women who paved the way in the field of technology. In 1843, Ada Lovelace wrote the first algorithm, laying the foundations of modern computing. Grace Hopper, a computer scientist in the US Navy, revolutionised the field by inventing the first compiler. And who would have thought that actress Hedy Lamarr would also be a major inventor, contributing to the development of Wi-Fi? These women have opened doors and inspired future generations to push back the boundaries of innovation.
The current situation of women in Tech
Despite these historic achievements, women remain vastly under-represented in today’s technology sector. Each passing year seems to reproduce the same patterns. French and European technology companies continue to suffer from a glaring lack of female representation. According to the ‘More Women in Tech’ study conducted by McKinsey, the average proportion of women in this sector will have barely reached 22% by 2022 in the 27 countries of the European Union. In France, only 14 of the 120 FrenchTech start-ups and scale-ups are headed or founded by women, and none of them are at the head of a Next 40 company.
The reasons for this under-representation
Gender stereotypes and unconscious biases:
Gender stereotypes and unconscious biases are major barriers from a very early age. This often hinders girls’ orientation towards science and technology. In the technology sector, these stereotypes persist. Creating an unwelcoming atmosphere that discourages women from making a full commitment. In addition, unconscious biases can influence hiring and promotion decisions. This systematically puts women at a disadvantage.
Lack of female role models:
The lack of female role models in the technology sector is a tangible reality. With male dominance still marked. Girls and young women can struggle to find inspirational figures to follow. This lack of female representation in management positions discourages women from aspiring to leadership roles, due to a lack of role models to identify with.
Difficulties reconciling work and private life:
Often associated with demanding working hours and an intense corporate culture, this field can be difficult to reconcile with family responsibilities. This can discourage women from pursuing careers in this field despite their interest and skills.
Harassment and discrimination:
More than one in two women feel that they have already experienced discrimination at work. Harassment and discrimination are also a concern for women working in tech. All too often, they are the victims of inappropriate behaviour and discriminatory treatment. This creates a hostile and alienating working environment. These negative experiences can affect women’s well-being. But they can also discourage them from remaining in the technology sector in the long term.
Initiatives to encourage women in Tech:
Here are some initiatives that can encourage women to work in tech :
Awareness-raising and education :
- School curricula: Include computing and coding from an early age in school curricula and offer workshops and clubs for girls.
- Awareness campaigns: Deconstruct gender stereotypes and promote female role models in the tech sector.
- Conferences and events: Organise events to inspire and encourage women to explore tech careers.
Mentoring and support:
- Mentoring programmes: Connecting women with experienced mentors to guide and support them in their careers.
- Support networks: Create networks and communities for women to connect, share experiences and get support.
- Scholarships and grants: Offering financial support to encourage women to pursue studies and training in the tech sector.
Inclusion and diversity:
- Inclusion policies: Implement inclusion and diversity policies in companies to create a more favourable working environment for women.
- Flexible working: Offering flexible working options to facilitate work-life balance.
- Anti-harassment: Implementing measures to prevent and combat harassment and discrimination in the technology sector.
Examples of initiatives:
- Girls in Tech: Global organisation offering mentoring, education and networking programmes for women in tech.
- Women Who Code: Non-profit organisation offering coding workshops and training for women.
- Anita Borg Institute: Organisation committed to advancing women in technology.
PROGISAP : A concrete example of diversity and inclusion in Tech
PROGISAP is actively committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the technology sector. This commitment is reflected in a corporate culture focused on equal opportunities and in the implementation of specific policies and programmes.
- An inclusive environment for all:
PROGISAP strives to create an inclusive working environment where women are encouraged to excel and prosper. The company disregards the social background of applicants and focuses on human qualities, which are a significant strength.
- Diversity:
At PROGISAP, a large proportion of employees are women. The average age is 32, demonstrating the company’s willingness to embrace generational diversity. The company is committed to equal opportunities and to valuing everyone’s work, regardless of religion, sexual orientation or any other discriminatory criteria.
- Concrete actions to promote diversity:
PROGISAP is taking concrete action to break down gender stereotypes and encourage equal opportunities. The company takes on work-study students and works closely with schools to give everyone the opportunity to enter the world of work.
- A strong commitment to society:
PROGISAP is also involved in sponsoring athletes such as Priscilla Gneto, Passion Propulsion and 3×3 basketball with Ermont. The company shares the values of surpassing oneself, perseverance and determination that are dear to these athletes.
Progisap is also committed to supporting JIFA, the International Day of Active Women in Africa, and was present at UNESCO last June. The company’s aim is to contribute to the emancipation of African women and the recognition of their skills and contributions.
SENEF, publisher of Progisap, is making a concrete commitment to diversity and inclusion in the technology sector. The company is taking concrete action to create an inclusive working environment open to all talents, and is also investing in the social fabric by supporting initiatives and causes that are close to its heart.
