Why Technology Needs More Women Leaders

For the first time since the Fortune 500 list which began 68 years ago, we saw women accounting for more than 10% of CEOs leading Fortune 500 companies. While this is a certainly heartening news, it's also a clear signal that more needs to be done

- Sangeeta Saxena

In the technology industry, the percentage of women leaders is even lower than the average. The technology industry is famous for its gender disparity at all levels. Despite several discussions and reports that point to this, women are still under-represented in the sector. As per some reports, over the last 21 years, there has only been a 2% increase in the number of women being hired in the tech sector.

Women make up just 14% of the workforce in software engineering and about 25% in computer science-related jobs. In manufacturing too, according to the World Economic Forum, women account for 33% of junior-level staff, 15% of senior-level staff, and just 9% of CEOs. In India, women make up just 12% of the manufacturing workforce, as per a GE research study on women’s employment in the manufacturing, operations, and engineering services sectors.

Role of women in tech and manufacturing

There are several reasons why women are underrepresented in technology and manufacturing. The biggest challenge is overcoming gender stereotypes and perceptions. The lack of adequate role models is another aspect that holds women back.