Despite ongoing national conversations about the lack of women in IT, the technology industry continues to see significant underrepresentation of women in technical roles. A study by the National Science Foundation reveals that the situation is not improving quickly enough. In 2020, women accounted for only 21% of computer science degrees, a modest increase from 18% in 2011, but still significantly lower than the 29% in 1995. This trend is further exacerbated by high attrition rates among women in the tech workforce, with recent data showing that women are leaving tech roles at higher rates than men. The combination of these factors underscores the urgent need for initiatives and organizations dedicated to supporting and empowering women in technology.

The Underrepresentation of Women in IT

Despite heightened awareness and dialogue around the issue, women remain significantly underrepresented in technology roles. The National Science Foundation reports that women received just 21% of computer science degrees in 2020, a slight increase from 18% in 2011 but still below the 1995 peak of 29%. This indicates a persistent gender gap in the tech education pipeline, which shows little sign of a rapid turnaround.

Current Trends in Workforce Representation

Recent data paints a troubling picture of women’s representation in the IT workforce. In 2022, more than half of tech companies experienced a 20% attrition rate in their tech workforce. Women technologists left their positions at a higher rate (16%) compared to their male counterparts (13%). This attrition rate has nearly doubled for women since 2021, resulting in the percentage of women in technology roles dropping to pre-pandemic levels. Currently, women occupy just 27% of technology positions, down from nearly 29% in 2020, according to some stats.

The Role of Advocacy Organizations

In response to these challenges, a variety of organizations have emerged to empower and support women in tech roles. These organizations offer networking, mentorship, and advocacy, aiming to create more inclusive and supportive environments for women in the industry. We listed  organizations we came across making significant strides in this area:

1. Ada Developers Academy: A nonprofit, tuition-free coding school for women and gender-expansive adults, focusing on BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and low-income individuals. It offers a supportive learning environment with mentorship, mental health support, and a paid internship program.
2. AnitaB.org: Founded by computer scientists Anita Borg and Telle Whitney, this nonprofit aims to support and inspire women in computing through programs like Systers, the largest online community for women in technical computing.
3. Black Girls Code: Founded by Kimberly Bryant, this organization supports young girls of color in STEM by providing resources and fostering an early interest in technology.
4. Girl Develop It: This nonprofit offers affordable web and software development courses in a judgment-free zone, supporting a diverse network of women in STEM through workshops and networking events.
5. Girls in Tech: Aim to eliminate gender inequality in tech by offering coding courses, boot camps, and hackathons for women of all ages, supporting over 62,000 members in 33 countries.
6. Girls Who Code: Focused on closing the gender gap in tech through after-school clubs, summer programs, and career support, helping keep girls engaged in STEM fields.
7. IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE): A global network dedicated to empowering women engineers and inspiring girls to embrace engineering and science through workshops, conferences, and career development programs.
8. Million Women Mentors (MWM): Aim to increase the number of women in STEM careers by building a global network of mentors and mentees, encouraging girls and women to thrive in STEM.
9. National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT): Focuses on advancing innovation by correcting underrepresentation in computing, offering programs for professionals and young people, and supporting companies in strengthening DEI.
10. Society of Women Engineers (SWE): Empowers women to advance in engineering careers through community support, networking, professional development, and scholarships.
11.      Switch: Formerly Women 2.0, this media and tech company raises awareness about inequality and inclusion in tech, offering programs for startup founders and resources on workplace culture and capital.
12. TechLadies: Connects members with jobs and opportunities in tech through an online network, a job board, and events to help members learn new skills and grow their careers.
13. TechWomen: An initiative by the US Department of State, connecting women in STEM from Africa, Central and South Asia, and the Middle East with those in Silicon Valley for mentorship and exchange programs.
14. Women in STEM: Matches female university students and professionals with high school girls to encourage STEM engagement, offering mentoring partnerships and programs to excite young girls about STEM careers.
15. Women in Tech (WIT): Focused on DEI in STEM, promoting empowerment through education, business, digital inclusion, and advocacy, and offering a global mentoring program.
16. Women in Tech Council (WTC): Develop programs to diversify the pipeline from high school to the C-suite, offering mentorship, networking, and learning opportunities.
17. Women in Technology International (WITI): Connects over 2 million women in STEM globally, offering events, career coaching, and speaker events to promote inclusivity in the workplace.
18. Women Who Code: Empowers women in tech by providing coding and programming skills, promoting hiring and retention of women, and building a global community of support for women engineers.
19. Women Who Tech: Focused on equity in startup funding, offering grants to women-led startups and supporting entrepreneurial women in tech.

Summary

The underrepresentation of women in IT remains a pressing issue despite ongoing discussions and initiatives. Women continue to earn a small percentage of computer science degrees and leave tech jobs at higher rates than men, leading to declining representation in the workforce. 

In response, numerous organizations have emerged to support and empower women in technology through education, mentorship, and advocacy. These organizations are crucial in bridging the gender gap in tech and fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in the industry.

Written by Karolina Wonchala at Simplyatelnetd.