The Unspoken Truth: Women in Tech are Being Held Back by a Perfect Storm of Patriarchy and Lack of Support
In a shocking exposé, it’s been revealed that women in tech are being held back by a perfect storm of patriarchal attitudes and lack of support. According to Cheryl-Jane Kujenga, CFO and acting CTO of BCX, the number of women in technology is still below 30%, and the majority of them leave the industry before reaching the age of 35.
Kujenga, speaking at the recent Wired 4 Women Technology Forum, pointed out that while there has been an increase in the number of younger females entering the sector, there remains significant room for improvement in gender parity. The lack of structures to prepare women for succession and promote them at senior management level, coupled with the failure to retain some women beyond the age of 35, results in a perfect storm of barriers that lead to fewer women in senior roles.
The Patriarchal Attitude Problem
But it’s not just a lack of opportunities that’s holding women back. Kujenga also highlighted the patriarchal attitude problem that pervades the industry. "Out of all the sectors that I have worked in, this is the most patriarchal," she said. "Some women often prefer to put their heads down and tell themselves: ‘let me just do my work quietly’, instead of wanting to contribute meaningfully towards strategy, or towards the company’s profitability and direction."
And it’s not just women who are victims of this patriarchal attitude. "I think one of the things that potentially scares women is owning the knowledge and understanding of the technology that sits behind certain functions of the firm, and taking charge of major tech projects," Kujenga said. "Men, on the other hand, often feel more confident and apply for senior roles even if they’re not 100% qualified."
The Need for Support and Inclusivity
So what can be done to change this? Kujenga stressed the need for corporates to be more intentional about creating spaces and supportive initiatives to help women in IT work towards their goals. This includes addressing workplace challenges and ensuring that women are able to move higher up the ladder at the same pace as their male counterparts.
As IITPSA WIIT chapter chairperson Thenzie Stewart and MTN CISO Celia Mantshiyane noted, IT continues to be a male-dominated industry, and women still face many challenges, including being paid less than their male counterparts and facing glass ceilings. But it’s not just a matter of individual women failing to achieve their goals. It’s a systemic problem that requires a collective effort to address.
The Wake-Up Call
The time for platitudes and empty promises is over. It’s time for the tech industry to wake up and take action to address the gender gap. This includes creating inclusive environments, providing support and resources, and challenging patriarchal attitudes. Only then can we hope to achieve a more equitable and diverse industry.
The question is, are you ready to join the fight for gender equality in tech?
