International Women in Tech Week Celebrates Progress and Highlights Gender Disparity in STEM Fields
This week marks International Women in Tech Week, a time to celebrate the progress made in gender equality and equity in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Despite advancements, the underrepresentation of women in STEM continues to persist, with girls and women facing biases, social norms, and expectations that hinder their education and career opportunities.
According to a recent UNESCO report, girls are particularly underrepresented in STEM education in developing countries, especially in Africa. This gender disparity is concerning, as STEM careers are crucial for the future, driving innovation, social wellbeing, and sustainable development.
Businesses play a vital role in breaking the gender divide and creating women leaders in STEM. Companies like Salesforce are empowering women in emerging roles such as AI, cloud computing, engineering, and data. Ursula Fear, Senior Talent Programme Manager at Salesforce, emphasizes the importance of addressing women’s underrepresentation in these fields through education and encouragement from a young age.
Huawei is also making strides in promoting gender equality in STEM through initiatives like Seeds for the Future and the Huawei Bursary Programme, which actively target a 50-50 gender split. These programs provide women with exposure to new technologies like 5G, Cloud, and AI, preparing them for the future workplace.
Uber is championing female entrepreneurship by supporting women e-hailing drivers and providing in-app features like Women Rider Preferred. This initiative aims to empower women in the tech platform economy and remove barriers they face in their businesses.
Future Forex is taking proactive steps to empower women in the fintech sector, with a strong representation of women in key leadership positions. CEO Harry Scherzer highlights the importance of cultivating a talented and diverse female workforce to drive innovation and success in the company.
Creating purposeful spaces conducive for women in STEM is essential for accelerating sustainable development. Ayanda Mvandaba, CA(SA) and Entrepreneur, emphasizes the importance of mentorship, sponsorships, and continuous professional development to address the gender divide in STEM roles.
As we celebrate International Women in Tech Week, let’s continue to support and empower women in STEM fields, creating a more inclusive and diverse future for all.