Females continue exiting South Africa’s tech field in large numbers − a trend that heightens underrepresentation, warns BCX CFO Cheryl-Jane Kujenga.
South Africa’s tech sector continues to lose a significant number of women who opt to leave the field before the peak of their career, which heightens female underrepresentation in the sector.
There is a significant underrepresentation of females higher up the corporate ladder, at senior management and exco level, she said. One of the reasons behind this trend is that the sector is still viewed in a patriarchal light and women continue to be undermined, she added. Even those who strive to make it to executive level are often not given a voice at the decision-making table. In some instances, women become victims of their own fears, Kujenga stated.
Corporates should be more intentional about creating spaces and supportive initiatives to help women in IT work toward goals, and address workplace challenges to ensure they are able to move higher up the ladder at the same pace as male counterparts, she advised. A poll of webinar participants found that 65% believe IT remains a male-dominated industry, with 10% saying it is ‘somewhat’ male-dominated, while 55% said men were paid more than women in the same roles. In addition, 31% feel there is a ‘glass ceiling’ for women in their organisations, and 27% say there is some level of glass ceiling.
Female Underrepresentation Cheryl-Jane Kujenga Wired 4 Women Technology Forum BCX IITPSA Thenzie Stewart Celia Mantshiyane
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