At my desk with a warm cup of coffee in my hands, my thoughts start to wander from my computer screen. International Women’s Day is coming up, and I’m thinking about writing about whether the gender gap in tech has really improved. Working at a company with a 4-day workweek and fully remote setup makes me wonder: Has there really been progress? What’s happening outside our progressive bubble—how is it out there for everyone else?

As we enter 2024, it’s important to look at where we are, celebrate our achievements, and think about what’s next. Join me as we explore the latest in closing the gender gap in the tech industry.

The Latest Stats: A Glimpse of Hope

Let’s first dive into the numbers that sketch a picture of our collective progress:

• In the United States, we’ve seen a promising increase in women’s representation in tech roles, moving from 31% in 2019 to 35% by the end of 2023.
• The European Union shows similar positive trends, with female participation in tech rising from 23% pre-pandemic to 25.2% at the end of 2023.
• Over in the United Kingdom, the percentage of women in the tech workforce has grown from 29% in 2019 to over 32% by the end of last year.

Despite this gradual improvement, a stark reality remains: according to a new World Bank Group report, significant legal disparities in matters of violence and childcare demonstrate that women enjoy fewer than two-thirds of the rights of men globally. It’s a sobering reminder that no country offers equal opportunities for women, not even the wealthiest economies. This highlights the urgent need for systemic change across all sectors, including tech.

Big Tech’s Role in Driving Change: Leading by Example

It’s not just the broader industry witnessing change; major tech companies are setting a pace for others:

• Google has notably increased the percentage of women in tech roles from 20.8% in 2018 to 25.3% in 2023.
• Microsoft has made significant strides, with its overall female representation rising from 29.2% in 2019 to 33.1% in 2023, particularly in tech roles.

Seeing these giants lead by example is incredibly inspiring. It sets benchmarks for the entire industry and encourages a ripple effect of positive change towards more equitable and diverse workplaces, something I hope we at Bits Kingdom can contribute to as well.

Flexibility in Tech: Balancing Work, Life, and Equality for Women

Flexible work arrangements have been a game-changer for many of us, especially for women in tech, enabling a better work-life balance and contributing to a more diverse workforce. The tech industry’s shift towards remote work and flexible schedules reflects its adaptability and commitment to inclusion.

Recognizing that, on average, women dedicate 2.4 more hours per day to unpaid care work than men, often focusing on childcare, flexibility is not just a benefit but a necessity for women striving to balance professional ambitions with personal responsibilities.

The Road Ahead: Narrowing the Gap Further

While there’s cause for optimism, the journey toward full gender parity in tech is far from over. The industry continues to grapple with a broader gender gap than seen in other sectors, with societal norms still deterring women from pursuing STEM careers from an early age. Additionally, the recent shift towards office-centric policies and looming economic uncertainties threaten to undermine our progress in diversity and inclusion.

Closing the gender gap in tech is a marathon, not a sprint. It demands persistent effort, innovation, and commitment from every corner of the industry. As we move forward, we must continue to challenge the status quo, support women in tech, and strive for a more inclusive and equitable tech landscape. Together we can make the tech industry a beacon of diversity and innovation.