Introduction:
In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of the technology industry, my journey has been a winding one, marked by unexpected turns and diverse experiences. Now, at 54 years old, I find myself reflecting on a return to a career in tech after a considerable break. Over the past 14 months, I've rejoined the world of software engineering through a unique opportunity presented by a Returners Programme, in collaboration with Women Returners. This unexpected return has given me a fresh perspective on the challenges and triumphs faced by women in tech – a landscape I first explored as a 16-year-old in the 1980s, on a Business and Computing YTS program.
Personal Evolution:
When a trainer pointed out my proficiency in programming and suggested that I could pursue a career as a programmer, I couldn’t have thought of anything worse. Copying code to build a ping pong game really didn’t do it for me, especially as we were literally typing into the blackness of a terminal in a world before Windows. No, I had my dreams set on becoming a hairdresser, something I did pursue for a bit but it turned out I really wasn’t any good at that. However, the '80s was a difficult time economically in Scotland and led me into another area I had previously absolutely no interest in – that of University where I went on to study Social Anthropology and Sociology. However, after graduating, and after the birth of my first child, I looked at IT as a career option and went on to complete a postgraduate degree in IT. At the age of 29, I started my first Software Developer role and entered a career in tech that would span 14 years before life had other plans for me, and I later found myself stepping away from the tech world to embrace roles as a mental health practitioner and dementia support worker.
The Return:
Returning to tech wasn't part of the plan, but life has a way of surprising us. The opportunity arose through a Returners Programme, a lifeline facilitated by Women Returners. This experience has not only reignited my passion for coding but has also provided a unique vantage point from which to reflect on the persisting challenges faced by women in the tech industry.
Persistent Challenges in Tech:
As I reacquaint myself with the tech world, it's disheartening to realise that some challenges faced by women in the industry seem as relevant today as they were two decades ago. Despite the strides made in promoting diversity and inclusion, certain barriers persist. Let's delve into some observations and experiences that echo across the years, shedding light on the state of women in tech.
- Representation in Tech: Women currently make up around 26% of the UK tech workforce (Source: Tech Nation).
- Leadership Roles: A significant gender disparity exists in tech director roles, with 77% filled by men (Source: Tech Nation).
- Gender Discrimination: A concerning 76% of women working in tech have experienced gender discrimination or bias in their roles (Source: Women in Tech).
- Gender Pay Gap: Despite advancements, the gender pay gap in the UK tech sector is around 15.9%, higher than the national average (Source: ONS).
- Graduation Rates: In the UK, only 15.4% of computer science students are female (Source: UCAS).
My meanderings are in no way an academic exploration but rather the intention is to offer a personal lens into the challenges faced by women, acknowledging that every journey is unique.
In this blog series, I aim to share anecdotes, insights, and perhaps a bit of wisdom gained through my journey – a journey that spans not only different roles in tech but also the societal shifts and evolving perspectives on women in the workforce. Join me as I explore the past, present, and future of women in tech, reflecting on the persistent challenges and the hope for positive change.