More girls in information and communication technology: the necessity of the future of work – opinion

By Nuno Vero

The strengthening of women’s participation in technological areas today is one of the biggest challenges, and at the same time, one of the greatest opportunities to ensure a more comprehensive, innovative and flexible technological sector. Since digital transformation accelerates and transforms the needs of skills, it becomes necessary to reduce the gender trench in ICT technologies (ICT), in order to expand accessible talent rules and ensure that women are not in a context that is increasingly characterized by technological progress.

Reality leaves no room for doubt, women remain unlawful in information and communication technology areas. According to MCKINSEY & Company data, in 2023, female presence in technological companies did not exceed 40 %. In addition, more than half of the industry professionals believe that the industry does not do enough to combat inequality, according to the data collected by Web Summit by 2024. Manpowergroup data reinforces this message: although 68 % of technological companies claim to be completed or close to achieving the goals of gender equality, this value is actually a decline when it was 72 %. However, some positive signs may be expected from perspective for two years, as these employers’ dropping is to reach 76 %. In this sense, it is important to ensure that they are continuing, implementing and monitoring concrete strategies so that there are no obstacles for women in technology.

The risk of lack of inequality becomes more clear as technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI). A recent study conducted by Harvard Business College revealed that women are generally adopting less than men’s artificial intelligence tools – a factor that can increase sex in line with access to opportunities. At the same time, the situations that women occupy traditionally are also most vulnerable to automation, according to a study conducted by Girls Verses Code.

Ignoring this reality is to waive the competitiveness and innovation of companies. Diversity is an essential engine to solve complex problems, develop comprehensive products and create more flexible difference. Consequently, enhancing the presence of girls and women in information and communications technology is more than the issue of justice – it is necessary to ensure a more productive, profitable and sustainable future for organizations.

Although it represents a challenge, artificial intelligence can be considered an opportunity to enhance equality. In fact, this tool can help make the selection processes more fair. According to the Global Insights study, which was published by Experis, 66 % of companies highlight that artificial intelligence will benefit from employment, and that one of the advantages is to reduce the unconscious biases in selection processes, and to eliminate self -factors such as type, origin or sweat. It is still important to observe the moral questions in the development of algorithms, to ensure that in reality, there is no compact bias in the learning model and if all moral requirements are fulfilled. It is also important to review the methods of choosing themselves to determine potential barriers for the inclusion of women in technological positions.

But after the moment of employment, it is to cook stereotypes in this sector at all times in workers’ working hours. For this, it is important to bet on the evaluation assessments of rental and promotion, to provide flexible work models that allow a balance between personal and professional responsibilities, and to create environments that enhance training equally and ensure active support from senior leaders to create tangible professional opportunities for women in technology.

Given the current shortage of global talent, which has been specially developed in the technological sector, attracting and preserving the various workforce becomes increasing, as women play an increasingly important role in the future of work. In this context, employers will get information and communications technology who know how to enhance their talents into a sustainable competitive advantage.