Recognising potential
IN this day and age where technology has become the cornerstone of progress and innovation, it is imperative that the potential of women in this field is recognised and harnessed.
Fijian-owned software company ACTON Fiji managing director Shobha Reddy said in the present landscape, technology was evolving at an unprecedented pace and reshaping the way people lived their lives.
However, despite the “drastic” evolution, there remained “a glaring gender gap in the tech industry”.
“Statistics reveal that women are significantly under-represented in techrelated fields,” Ms Reddy said at the WIN 2024 Convention in Suva.
She noted statistics from the National Center for Women & Information Technology that women held only 27 per cent of computer science jobs in the United States.
“Similar statistics relevant to Fiji or the Pacific maybe limited or not available. However, there are some general insights in a broader context of women’s participation in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields in Pacific island nations like Fiji.
“And these insights indicate that the ratios are similar to the trends globally. Whether it is to do with education enrolment in STEM-related fields in tertiary institutes, or workforce participation in the tech space, or even tech start-ups, women are typically under-represented.”
Ms Reddy said the gender disparity was not only a matter of equality, but also a loss of potential talent and creativity.
“Imagine the innovations and breakthroughs we could achieve if we tapped into the full pool of human intellect.”
Ms Reddy said there could be various reasons why there are fewer women in tech.
“It could be societal stereotypes and biases, lack of access to resources and opportunities, the absence of female role models in the industry and even lack of knowledge about the industry and its potential.”
However, she said they were witnessing a wave of change with more women defying stereotypes and venturing into the world of technology.
“They are breaking barriers, challenging norms, and making their mark in fields traditionally dominated by men. And let me tell you, their contributions are invaluable.”