We all use technology, but we aren’t all represented equally in tech professions. Globally, women fill fewer than a third of the roles in technologies like cloud computing and data and artificial intelligence, and their share isn’t growing.1
Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, women were less likely than men to enter the tech industry and were leaving it at twice the rate of men.2 During the pandemic, widespread uptake of emerging technologies — such as those enabling remote work and cloud computing — led to a hiring spree for tech professions. However, women, who are under-represented in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workforce, benefitted less than men.3
A missed opportunity for the tech industry, businesses at large and our whole society
Gender equality is critical for our future. It is inherent in the vision of solving today’s most complex issues which makes creating a diverse tech workforce an economic and social necessity. When women have economic, political, and social equality, economies grow and businesses perform better. Investments in sustainability, healthcare and education rise.
By nurturing and supporting women as leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators, and by educating women and girls to reach their potential, we can accelerate the pace of change, improving the lives of individuals and communities through better economic opportunities. The pull through from these opportunities improves the lives of everyone.
But most companies are not acting on this opportunity yet. More than a quarter of technology transformation leaders believe that insufficient progress in creating a diverse and inclusive workforce is a significant challenge, according to EY’s Tech Horizon survey.
How our initiatives support women in technology
The EY Women in Technology program is an inclusive initiative that supports girls and women to enter, remain, thrive and lead in the world of technology. We welcome all genders to take action in advancing this important undertaking. Explore our four workstreams and get in touch to learn more or be involved.