Over the last years there has been a lot of discussion about the issue of the different (unequal) treatment of men and women in the professional field, and especially in the field of technology, which is traditionally a male-dominated industry.
Personally, as a woman, a technocrat, in the position of Head of Telecom at Microbase for more than 18 years, with a master’s degree and a high level of expertise in the field of telecommunications, and in an environment that promotes meritocracy and favors advancement, I did not encounter phenomena of unequal treatment and opportunities.
But this does not happen in all companies and markets.
Gender equality in the workplace is an integral aspect of fairness and sustainability in modern society. Despite the progress that has been made, the road to full equality is still long, especially in sectors such as technology companies, where the male-dominated tradition is felt.
The presence and participation of women in the field of technology has significant effects not only on the economy, but also on innovation and society in general. However, many women still face obstacles and discrimination in this area.
The first step towards eliminating these discriminations is to recognize the problem. Women often face discrimination in terms of pay, promotional opportunities, and access to positions of responsibility. The underrepresentation of women in leadership positions in technology companies is particularly concerning and is one of the main obstacles to achieving equality.
However, change is possible and there is much that can be done to promote equality. Companies can take proactive steps to enhance diversity and inclusion in their workplace. Some of these measures could include:
- Transparency in salary policy to ensure that all employees, regardless of gender, receive equal pay for equal work.
- Promoting diversity in leadership: emphasizing the promotion of women to positions of responsibility and their emergence as role models for other women in technology.
- Supporting professional development by offering training, mentors, and other resources to help women develop their skills and advance their careers.
The way is also shown by studies such as McKinsey’s which record that especially in IT, groups with greater diversity show the greatest efficiency and the longest retention of their talents in the company.
Promoting equality in the workplace, especially in technology companies, is vital to creating a fairer and more innovative society.
By supporting and involving women at all levels of the tech industry, we can create a world where ability and potential are recognized and valued regardless of gender.
The article was published in the e-magazine Netweek (Boussias Media) on May, 29, 2024 (in Greek language)
