The Journey of Female Digital Leaders

by Aislinn Gannon

Introduction

Despite progress that has been made, women still face significant barriers and challenges in the digital sector. According to a recent report by STEM Women, only 16% of female students had received encouragement to study in tech, and women account for only 25% of the tech workforce.

With regards to technology, Generation Ireland reported that 28% of the tech workforce was made up of women, and only 5% in leadership roles. Women of colour are also significantly underrepresented in the tech sector.

There are numerous reasons for these low numbers including the persistent gender gap in pay and advancement opportunities, as well as the lack of female role models and mentors in the industry. Other factors faced by female tech leaders such as unconscious bias, imposter syndrome, work-life balance, and access to funding and investors have a huge impact too.

Despite this, in the vibrant tech ecosystem of Ireland, female digital leaders are leading the way, navigating a path marked by resilience, innovation, and the inherent challenge of overcoming a male-dominated industry landscape. On this International Women’s Day, we delve into the journey of women in the digital domain in Ireland — a journey that is breaking barriers and fostering an inclusive environment.

Thriving Amidst Challenges

Ireland’s tech scene is growing, bolstered by an amalgamation of home-grown start-ups and the presence of major global tech giants. This dynamic environment offers women unprecedented opportunities to shape the future of technology, lead ground-breaking projects, and elevate Ireland’s status on the global tech stage.

Increasing awareness of the need for gender diversity in leadership has led to the emergence of supportive initiatives and networks such as Connecting Women in Technology (CWITS), Women Who Code (WWC) and the Women in STEM summit. These platforms provide mentorship, networking, and support, playing a crucial role in amplifying female voices in the digital domain and encouraging women to pursue leadership positions.

However, the journey is not devoid of obstacles. A significant gender gap at the leadership level persists, with women markedly outnumbered in CEO roles and senior leadership positions. This underrepresentation not only highlights a missed opportunity for innovation and diversity of thought but also perpetuates a cycle of inequality, dissuading other women from pursuing leadership roles.

Gender bias and stereotypes further exacerbate this issue, often subjecting women to higher standards than their male counterparts and casting doubts on their technical abilities or leadership potential.

The Added Dimension of Discreditation

An insidious barrier that female leaders often confront is the discreditation by colleagues—a deeply personal challenge that adds to the professional hurdles within the tech industry. This discreditation can range from overlooked contributions in meetings to exclusion from pivotal decision-making processes, undermining women’s confidence and stifling their professional growth.

Charting a Path Forward

To unlock the full potential of Ireland’s digital economy, it is crucial to address these challenges through supportive initiatives for women and systemic changes within organisations. This includes adopting transparent hiring practices, diversifying leadership, and fostering inclusive cultures that value diversity of thought. Tackling the issue of discreditation head-on is vital. Implementing bias training, establishing clear channels for reporting discreditation, and creating mentorship programs can empower female leaders and promote a culture of equality and recognition.

As Ireland progresses as a tech hub, the aspiration is to also advance towards being a beacon of gender diversity and equality in leadership. This transformation is essential for leveraging the collective talents and perspectives that women bring to the digital sector, thereby enriching the tech ecosystem and fostering innovation.

This International Women’s Day, let’s commit to breaking barriers and creating an inclusive environment where female digital leaders are celebrated, supported, and recognised for their invaluable contributions to the tech industry and beyond.

Feel free to contact aislinn.gannon@the4oc.com with any comments or questions you have on this topic.