There is a problem in the technology sector that too few are tackling, let alone talking about. A recent Brookfield report found only 9 per cent of software developers in Canada are female. Women’s participation in the technology sector has remained between 23 per cent and 25 per cent for well over a decade.  This gender imbalance is also evident early in the talent pipeline. In 2015, only 21 per cent of all information and communications technology graduates across Canada were women. As a woman working in tech, these numbers are incredibly depressing.

Source: Toronto Star

Date: February 1st, 2018

Link: https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/2018/01/24/the-urgent-need-to-get-more-women-involved-in-technology.html

Discussion

1) “The science, tech, engineering and math (STEM) disciplines have the fastest rate of job growth in Canada (4.6 per cent yearly growth versus 1.8 per cent for the job market as a whole). And in the Toronto-Waterloo corridor this is amplified even more.” Why is this not making a difference to women pursuing tech careers?

2) “Ensuring gender equity in STEM education and female career advancement is not just the right thing to do, it is necessary for a thriving, sustainable and healthy technology sector and our broader society.”   What can you do to help?