Addressing gender inequality, especially within the tech sector, is both a moral imperative and a crucial logistical challenge, given that over 50% of women in tech are prone to leave the industry before reaching 35. Latest data reveals that 8 in 10 men in tech think women are treated equally. James Lloyd-Townshend, Chairman and CEO of Nigel Frank, has shared insightful tips and strategies for advancing gender equality in the tech industry based on this new information.
Do men in tech recognise gender inequality yet?
Latest survey reveals men still slow to acknowledge sexism and misogyny in tech industry
As a subject with its own Wikipedia page, sexism in tech has seen serious discussion in niche tech publications and mainstream outlets alike over the last decade. Gender inequality is first and foremost a moral concern. But in the context of the tech industry, it’s also a logistical concern as more than 50% of women in tech are likely to quit the industry before the age of 35.
Being able to retain women tech professionals is a concern for the immediate and long-term future of the industry – particularly in the context of a widening skills gap.
To gain further insight into ongoing disparities in tech, Nigel Frank International, a Tenth Revolution Group company, has gauged the attitudes of men currently working in the cloud space.
Survey Results
| When thinking about your organisation, do you agree that men and women are treated equally? | |
| Agree | 80% |
| Disagree | 6% |
| Neither | 14% |
Responding to these stark percentages, Nigel Frank International Chairman and CEO James Lloyd-Townshend said: “Our survey encompassed more than a thousand men currently working as tech professionals and I have to say, the results are startling. I’d love to know what percentage of the men who feel there’s no gender inequality in their organisation have reached that conclusion through actual conversations with the women in their workplace.”
“It’s common for those who don’t experience inequality to ignore or deny its prevalence. What we need is more engagement, observation, listening – and ultimately allyship, from men in tech.”
Tips for men to support the women in their workplace
#1: Feedback
There’s no substitute for listening to the experiences of your colleagues. Men in tech should be working to create environments in which women are empowered to be honest about their workplace experiences and where their suggestions will be taken seriously.
#2: Harness existing resources
There’s a wealth of incredible resources available for men interested in understanding and working to break down gender inequality in the workplace. From reading lists to podcasts, finding a medium that works for you and pursuing your own ongoing learning has never been more accessible.
#3: Vouch for your colleagues
In tech, as in most businesses, recommendations are invaluable and can make a huge difference to someone’s career trajectory. Although men might instinctively vouch for the men in their teams, ensuring that you keep the same energy for your women colleagues is vital – especially when it comes to leadership roles, whether that’s heading a project or a promotion track.
Written by James Lloyd-Townshend, Chairman and CEO of Nigel Frank, a Tenth Revolution Group company
Tenth Revolution Group is the global leader in creating and delivering hard-to-find cloud IT professionals. Tenth Revolution Group is the parent company of Frank Recruitment Group and its successful recruitment brands Anderson Frank, Jefferson Frank, Mason Frank International, Nelson Frank, Nigel Frank International, and Washington Frank. Tenth Revolution Group also operates cloud talent creation experts, Revolent, who specialise in creating the next generation of AWS, Salesforce and Microsoft cloud talent.
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