The experiences of women in leadership positions in the tech industry and the challenges they face in achieving parity with their male counterparts
We have seen a huge change in the tech industry where women now hold leadership positions and some even run a tech company, but despite the change and acceptance of women in leadership positions, one cannot ignore the disparity and challenges that some, if not all, of these women, face on a daily basis in the tech industry.
Women in tech leadership positions have faced numerous hurdles in achieving parity with their male counterparts.
Speaking with some of these women, we learned about the issues women experience in the tech field, as well as the obstacles they face in achieving parity with their male colleagues.
Even when they have the same skills and experience, women in leadership positions in the technology industry frequently earn less than their male counterparts.
Irene Aguh (Founder/CEO, Rêvie)
Irene stated that, while there has been significant progress in recent years, the tech industry is still overwhelmingly dominated by men. This is why, when discussing women in tech leadership positions, we continue to emphasize gender.
These women face a number of challenges, from unequal pay and growth opportunities to a lack of active and accessible representation. All of these make it more challenging for them to succeed in leadership positions.
She further stated that achieving parity with their male counterparts will require addressing these challenges and creating a more inclusive and equitable work environment. Female leaders are capable. We just need to fight the bias and create spaces that encourage them to thrive.
Women in leadership positions in the tech industry frequently experience gender bias and stereotyping, with their competence and leadership abilities being called into doubt because of their gender. Others will argue that women are not treated equally in the technology field.
Fayo Williams (Managing Consultant, Simply Exponential Consult)
Fayo Williams buttresses this point. In her statement, the challenges of women in the tech industry revolve around not being given the opportunity.
She cited Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook’s first chief operating officer, in 2008. She stated that Sandberg was given the opportunity because of her background in advertising, Mark Zuckerberg. Sandberg performed admirably, according to Fayo, and stepped down in 2022.
Fayo believes that if women in tech are given opportunities for leadership roles, they do well; nevertheless, gaining these possibilities is a challenge.
There are glass ceilings and cultural factors, as well as conscious and unconscious biases, that prevent women from obtaining such opportunities. She believes that equal access to opportunities as their male counterparts is the most difficult challenge.
Let us not forget that women are underrepresented in leadership positions in the tech industry. The absence of representation makes it more difficult for women to enter into the profession and for those who are already in the field to ascend to positions of leadership.
Grace Akinosun (Chief Marketing Officer, Bitmama)
Grace agreed with this thought, saying that the tech industry has been male-dominated for a long time since we have very little representation of women due to a variety of challenges.
In the past, gender was used to determine one’s level of competency and you can’t get certain positions because you’re a woman.
There’s also the issue of women in tech leadership roles frequently trying to combine their work and home life, especially when they have family responsibilities.
In Grace’s opinion, this is making excuses for women who have been silenced in the workplace; if you’re talking about achieving parity in the workplace, everyone should have a voice.
Grace feels that society already makes excuses for women and that itself is at the root of one of the issues women encounter in the tech industry.
Women must do more to be acknowledged, as evidenced by the enumeration and attainment of particular positions.
Grace emphasizes that awareness is higher than it was previously, and that including more women in the rising industry will go a long way.
Generally, achieving gender equity in the tech industry remains a struggle for women. Several companies, however, are taking initiatives to address these issues and encourage gender diversity in leadership positions. As more women enter the tech business and work their way to the top.
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