Women in IT professions: Allegedly welcome, but underrepresented

The equality of women is gladly seen in the German economy, as a large majority of surveyed companies consider mixed teams to be more successful and better for the corporate culture and business development. However, when it comes to concrete measures to actually increase the proportion of women, respondents show less initiative and conviction. This is especially true for IT and digital specialist areas. This is according to a current survey by Bitkom on the occasion of the upcoming International Women's Day. Slightly more than 600 companies from all sectors answered questions from the association around the turn of the year.

Unpopular promotion of women

The proportion of women in IT and digital specialist areas is particularly low compared to the economy as a whole according to Bitkom. 65 percent of respondents support the statement that the economy cannot solve the IT skills shortage without women. 78 percent even say that the entire economy is jeopardizing its future without women, and 67 percent that Germany is lagging behind internationally in terms of equality. For 17 percent, Germany has even missed the international mark in terms of equality.

According to the companies, the main reason for not setting goals for promoting women in the IT sector is the lack of qualified female applicants. 72 percent of respondents stated this. However, this is followed by 57 percent stating that the company has "other priorities", and 29 percent stating that "setting goals is pointless".

This frequency of answers fits with other statements from the study, which clearly show how negatively the promotion of women is often still perceived. Thus, 35 percent assume that promoting women distracts from more important issues, 34 percent that it is unfair to men, 28 percent that promoting women is no longer necessary, 23 percent that it is not worthwhile, and 20 percent that companies are unnecessarily burdened by it. 38 percent also assume that the promotion of women is often just a pretext, and companies do not want to change anything in practice.

37 percent have a gender equality officer or a women's representative, 32 percent have a diversity officer. In total, 42 percent have established at least one of these two positions, 27 percent both. And only 68 percent of companies locate the responsibility for greater equality within themselves. At the same time, 0 percent support the statement that "no further measures are necessary from politics" – in reverse, 100 percent expect politics to do something for improvement.

Obstacle course and glass ceiling headache

Within companies, the following reasons are cited as particularly hindering equality: 50 percent support the statement that there are hurdles in re-entry (e.g., after parental leave), 48 percent that managers are insufficiently sensitized in personnel decisions, 47 percent that traditional role models prevail in the company. 46 percent blame unfavorable working hours and presenteeism culture, 42 percent lack of networks for women, 39 percent a male-dominated culture in IT and digital professions as well as a glass ceiling, and 35 percent support the statement that men in the workforce perceive the promotion of women as unfair.

55 percent attribute hurdles in lateral entry to politics – IT further training recommendations at employment agencies are less frequently made for women. 40 percent blame stereotypical training and career orientation. The lack of childcare infrastructure is an obstacle for 48 percent. Furthermore, 54 percent attribute poor self-marketing to women, and 46 percent consider them insufficiently qualified.

Bitkom has therefore formulated recommendations for action for both companies and politics. Companies should, among other things, commit to measurable goals for promoting women and also anchor the topic organizationally. Politics should continue to advocate for mandatory computer science education, which should also be designed to be gender-sensitive. In addition, childcare services and qualification support must be improved.

Bitkom President Dr. Ralf Wintergerst explains the study: "Stereotypical role models are still anchored in too many companies. If IT professions deter women or are not well-known enough to them, that is not a law of nature. It is a clear mandate for companies, education, and politics to break down barriers and make IT professions visible and attractive to women. Companies must consistently implement diversity themselves – with clear responsibilities for equality, with job advertisements that specifically address women, with better lateral entry paths and visible role models. At the same time, this is a mandate for politics: The fact that not a single company wants to forgo further political measures is a clear signal. The expansion of childcare infrastructure must take priority, as well as more support along the educational chain – from mandatory computer science education to targeted qualification programs for women." Susanne Dehmel, member of the steering committee of #SheTransformsIT and the Bitkom management, adds: "Many girls and women do not decide against IT because they cannot do it – but because they do not see themselves there."

(kbe)