The International Labor Organization reports that gender-balanced teams are 20 percent more likely to achieve better results, highlighting the importance of attracting women to the tech industry. Despite ongoing efforts, gender balance in Ukraine’s tech sector remains a work in progress. Serhii Tokarev, an IT entrepreneur and co-founder of Roosh, explores effective strategies for achieving this balance in his op-ed for Forbes.
The Ukrainian IT platform DOU has documented a steady increase in the number of women in the tech sector. Four years ago, women constituted 20 percent of the industry workforce, rising to 24 percent by 2023. Female tech specialists represented 19 percent in 2023. Serhii Tokarev cites Roosh as an example, where the proportion of female managers rose from 20 percent in 2020 to 38 percent in 2023, demonstrating positive trends within the industry.
Serhii Tokarev cautions that this progress is insufficient to ensure sustained gender balance, particularly given Ukraine’s current challenges. The ongoing war with Russia has led many women to flee the country, disrupting their careers. Tokarev points out that these women may eventually find a new job abroad. Additionally, women in the military or managing households alone face significant barriers to entering the tech sector.
An overcrowded job market and limited opportunities also pose significant challenges. DOU data indicates that a newbie front-end developer had 49 job offers in 2022, and just 12 by 2024. These challenges come over longstanding societal prejudices that keep women away from pursuing tech careers. Gender stereotypes often begin in childhood, with girls being discouraged from technical interests and teachers favoring boys in STEM subjects.
Serhii Tokarev underscores the importance of diversity and collaboration for achieving success in tech. At Roosh, they evaluate the team compositions of potential investments, understanding that diverse experiences and perspectives drive innovation. Tokarev identifies four key areas to enhance gender balance in the tech industry.
Firstly, tech companies should invest in developing future talent. Engaging in the education of potential tech professionals can help close the gender gap. Serhii Tokarev advocates for businesses to establish internship programs that provide practical experience to students and current professionals, equipping them with essential skills and insights.
Secondly, incorporating soft skills development into the curriculum. The tech industry demands more than technical expertise. Effective communication, organizational skills, critical thinking, and teamwork are essential in the modern workplace. Emphasizing these competencies in education can better prepare women for successful careers in tech.
Thirdly, mentoring and role models are vital for women’s success in tech. Access to mentors and role models can provide valuable guidance and inspiration. Initiatives like STEM is FEM project connect girls with mentors who offer professional advice and motivation, helping them navigate their tech careers.
Lastly, supporting youth from an early age is essential. Introducing young people to the tech industry through educational programs and activities can spark interest and demonstrate the sector’s potential. Early exposure to tech can inspire future generations of female professionals and help dismantle existing stereotypes.
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