As we celebrate International Women’s Day in 2024 under the theme “Inspire Inclusion“, it is crucial to acknowledge the strides made toward gender equality, especially in the tech and marketing sectors. This year’s theme resonates strongly with the remarkable achievements and progress women have made in these industries. In this article, we will delve into the current status of women in tech and marketing, highlighting powerful statistics and facts to emphasize the need for continued support and empowerment.
The current landscape
The tech industry has long been a male-dominated world, and it’s essential to examine the position of women in tech. Let’s take a look at where are we now, and where are we going.
At the current pace of change (status March 2024), according to the Women in Tech Network, it will take a minimum of 131 years, until the economic gender gap is closed. Despite progress, there is still a long way to go.
Gender diversity in tech companies
Despite progress, the gender gap in the tech industry persists. According to a report by Women Tech Network (2023), women represent only 28.8% of the global tech workforce. This statistic underscores the need for concerted efforts to bridge the gap and create a more inclusive environment.
Women in leadership roles
The representation of women in leadership positions within tech companies remains a challenge. A study conducted by McKinsey & Company (2023) revealed that women hold only 28% of leadership roles in the tech industry. Encouragingly, companies with diverse leadership teams are 33% more likely to outperform their peers, demonstrating the business case for gender diversity.
Source: Women in the Workplace 2023, McKinsey & Company
Women more likely impacted by layoffs
Research indicates that women face a 1.6 times higher likelihood of being laid off than men, primarily due to their consistent lack of seniority compared to male counterparts in the sector. The tech industry experienced significant layoffs in 2022, with WomenTech Network’s research revealing that 69.2% of those affected were women. This alarming statistic underscores the unequal impact of layoffs on women in the tech field. The collected data highlights the pressing necessity to take immediate action to create more equitable opportunities for women in the tech industry.
Women-owned businesses in marketing
In the marketing realm, women-owned businesses are gaining momentum. According to the National Association of Women Business Owners (2023), women own 42% of all businesses in the United States. The marketing landscape benefits from diverse perspectives, and supporting women entrepreneurs fosters innovation and creativity.
Tech stats and facts
Tech skills and education
A crucial aspect of empowering women in tech is ensuring access to education. While women now earn 57% of all bachelor’s degrees, they account for only 18% of computer science degrees. Encouragingly, initiatives like Girls Who Code and Women in Tech are working to bridge this gap, inspiring and educating the next generation of female tech professionals.
Closing the gender pay gap
The gender pay gap persists in the tech industry, with women earning, on average, 85 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts. The World Economic Forum (2023) estimates that it will take 135.6 years to close this gap at the current rate of progress. Companies committed to pay equity contribute to dismantling this disparity, promoting fairness and equality.
Remote work and flexibility
The shift to remote work has had a profound impact on work culture. Remote and flexible work arrangements can be instrumental in promoting gender equality. According to a survey by FlexJobs (2023), 80% of women believe that remote work options would make them more likely to stay with their current employer, contributing to increased retention and satisfaction.
Marketing stats and facts
Digital marketing trends
The marketing landscape is evolving rapidly, and women are playing a pivotal role in shaping digital marketing trends. A survey by the American Marketing Association (2023) found that women make up 52% of the workforce in digital marketing. This highlights the significant influence women have in steering marketing strategies and innovations.
Social media engagement
Women are leading the charge in social media, a critical aspect of modern marketing. According to a report by Hootsuite (2023), women are more likely to engage with brands on social media, making up 58% of social media users. This underscores the importance of creating targeted and inclusive marketing campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences.
Analysis of social media usage by gender reveals that, although there are more male users globally (53.6% of the population) compared to female users (46.4%), females consistently spend more time daily on social media, regardless of age.
Conclusion
As we commemorate International Women’s Day 2024 under the theme “Inspire Inclusion,” it is essential for the tech and marketing industries to reflect on the progress made and the work that lies ahead. The power of diversity and inclusion is evident in the statistics and facts presented, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to empower and support women in these fields. By breaking barriers and building futures, we pave the way for a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous future for all. Let us collectively champion the cause of gender equality, making every day an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in tech and marketing.
Discover inspiring stories and insights from the incredible women of Swaarm as they share their experiences and perspectives on embracing equity (Last year’s International Women’s Day theme)! Click here to read and celebrate the power of diversity and inclusion.
