Today, March 8, International Women's Day, we look back at the parallel session 'More women in technology', of the Holland High Tech event 2022. During this parallel session, four female speakers on the theme of 'Women in technology' discussed: the facts & figures, the role of bias in the workplace, the practice and tips for employers.
More women in technology
The Netherlands is known as open-minded and progressive. But if you look at the proportion of women working here in technology, we are miles behind other countries. "In 2020, only 18% of girls opted for a technical education, while almost half opted for an exact sciences package,"illustrated Sahar Yadegari, director of the VHTO Expertise Center for Gender Diversity in Science, Technology and IT, in her presentation.
"Even if they start working in technology, they often switch to a job outside technology within ten years. Only 22% of women stay in technology, compared to 52% of men with the same background."
"If we want to entice more women to work in this sector, we have to come up with stronger measures," said session leader Eva van den Boom, advocate for the labor market and education at sector organization FME.
Prejudice
Women in tech often face prejudice. In addition, issues such as low self-confidence, not feeling at home in a male culture and the challenge of combining work with family also play a role. "Women feel that they have to prove themselves to their supervisor and often have to deal with funny comments from colleagues," explains Van der Boom.
Fortunately, there are companies that are consciously committed to a women-friendly policy and, for example, strive for an x number of women in management positions. "But if you employ few women, it is difficult to attract them. For everyone, you only feel at home somewhere if you feel connected to others," says Van der Boom. "That's why it's important to also have women in management positions."
