Only 41% of companies prioritize hiring women in tech roles: ISACA
ILLINOIS, UNITED STATES — A recent study revealed that while 87% of IT professionals agree women are underrepresented in the tech industry, only 41% of businesses have initiatives to hire more women.
According to ISACA’s Tech Workplace and Culture report, this lack of action persists even as 74% of organizations report difficulties in attracting and retaining talent, according to.
The survey, which collected responses from 7,726 tech professionals globally, highlights the ongoing gender imbalance in IT roles. The findings highlight systemic challenges that prevent women from entering and thriving in the field.
Barriers hindering women’s representation in IT
Key obstacles identified include the lack of female role models and leaders, cited by 43% of women respondents. Pay inequality was another significant barrier, with 42% of women identifying it as a deterrent compared to just 15% of men.
These disparities contribute to the underrepresentation of women across technical and leadership positions.
Leadership gaps highlight gender disparities in authority
The report also sheds light on differences in perceived authority between men and women within their roles.
Men consistently rated their influence higher than their female counterparts, particularly regarding decision-making authority. For example, there was a 13-point gap in perceptions of influence over purchasing decisions and a 10-point gap concerning contributions to company strategy.
“More needs to be done to increase the representation of women in the IT and technology sector—and more needs to be done to welcome their leadership and influence,” said Julia Kanouse, Chief Membership Officer at ISACA.
Educational institutions play a key role in inclusion
Survey respondents also stressed that educational institutions could play a pivotal role in fostering gender diversity by:
- Providing female mentors or role models (52%)
- Establishing networking organizations or tech clubs for women (42%)
- Hiring more female tech professors (31%)
These measures could help inspire more women to pursue careers in technology and address the gender imbalance early on.
Signs of progress despite ongoing challenges
Despite these challenges, many women are excelling in tech careers. The survey found that 68% of women — and 72% of men — are highly satisfied with their career progression. Additionally, over 70% of both genders reported receiving promotions or salary increases within the past two years.
“Women thrive in tech roles, bringing unique perspectives and expertise,” said Anna Murray, member of ISACA’s SheLeadsTech Advisory Council. “Each woman added to the tech force impacts dozens of others. Because you need to see it to be it.”
