According to CNET,According to a new report, half of women in the technology industry believe this industry is a “boys club”, but despite this, more than 60% see signs of progress.According to a new study by the non-profit organization AnitaB.org, women in the science and technology world still feel the influence of being a minority in their field. The organization is committed to improving the status of women in the computer field and holding a Grace Hopper Celebration. Although technology companies have taken some actions in the past few years to create a more diverse and inclusive industry, women still face a lot of challenges, especially during the pandemic.
“Some women worry that their boss will start thinking,’Oh, I see a little girl sitting on your lap. I heard you say that your child’s school has closed. I know you have three children.'” Brenda Darden Wilkerson, President and CEO of AnitaB.org, said: “In their hearts, they are thinking,’I have to prove that this will not affect my work’.”
53% of women in the technology industry believe that they need to prove their worth to their employers, especially during the COVID-19 period, including more publicity for themselves.
The survey data was collected online from nearly 1,000 women in the industry, which is consistent with other survey results. In September, McKinsey & Company’s annual “women in the workplace” study found that this pandemic has put pressure on women’s careers, with one-third of people considering leaving the labor market, partly because of increased family responsibilities.
At the same time, in the past year and a half, many articles have documented the unemployment, burnout and extra pressure of taking care of the family of professional women.
In the technology industry, due toApple,Microsoft, Google, Facebook and other companies are striving to create a technical work team composed of even 30% of women. The lack of diversity in the workforce has always been a long-term problem.
Survey data from AnitaB.org found that people are both skeptical and optimistic about the industry’s efforts. Approximately 26% said they think the industry’s attempts at inclusiveness are “very” or “extremely” sincere.
Wilkerson said: “We have also seen that women understand these issues very well, understand what they want, and what they think is important for them to participate meaningfully (in the industry).”
Nearly two-thirds of the survey respondents said that they believe that their company does not only include gender and race in the definition of diversity, and three-quarters said that their company has a good grasp of intersectionality. People can fall into several categories and have specific experiences, such as being both women and people of color.
On the issue of women of color, there is no clear consensus on whether the company has done enough to meet their needs. Respondents were divided into three parts according to the thinking of “yes”, “no” and “uncertain”. Looking ahead, 25% of women said that diversity and inclusion will be significantly improved in the next five years. 54% said it will improve somewhat, and 15% said it will remain the same.
“(Women) still think this is a boys’ club,” Wilkerson said. “Unfortunately, before we reach gender equality, this will be a boys’ club.”