Women have always had an uphill battle in terms of workplace roles and job availability in terms of professional, technical and mechanical jobs that do not fit the usual female stereotype. The number of women in the tech industry alone, women have not filled the void to be on par with the male ratio as in ten years the number of women who are in the IT industry alone are numbered at 17%.
The problems will start after the COVID-19 pandemic is over as the cry for recruitment shall be high but with a leaning bias towards the more majority number male applicants over the females in the tech industry.
The argument used by companies is that the males usually hold the more heavier technical sides of the company’s roles while women hold entry-level, junior positions in companies- making it more likely they would not be picked for the furlough scheme if in the UK. The other reason being women could be tending to more childcare matters at home in work at home situations over men.
“Everything has been pushed back. There has been a drive in the last few years by employers to improve the diversity of the workforce, but I fear that will now slip down the priority list. The focus right now is on surviving Covid-19. People who still have their jobs are also less likely to leave their roles, so positions won’t open up. The move to teach online by universities puts a question mark over campus activities for employers,” he adds. “Some universities are putting careers events online, too, but others are less prepared. Some appear to be doing nothing at all. You could have an entire year group that misses out on the opportunities other years have had and female graduates could be particularly hard hit.” said Stephen Rooney, director of networking and careers organisation STEM Women.
“I predict we’ll see a surge in the tech industry because tech is at the forefront of businesses’ agendas in the age of coronavirus. Companies are having to switch to digital incredibly quickly, artificial intelligence is growing and we’re not going to lose that momentum. Tech has never been more relevant, jobs will be created in the field and the new remote, flexible ways of working could really benefit women.” Vanessa Vallely, founder of membership group WeAreTechWomen stated as she believes the COVID-19 situation could shift the tech industry’s roles more towards women.
“Crises accelerate societal change and this one is no different. All sorts of businesses are moving to remote working and more people are beginning to understand that greater flexibility can mean you might work less conventional hours and still get the job done.” Gemma Moore, co-founder of cybersecurity firm Cyberis had to say.
