PwC: 'Women only account for 30% of the tech workforce'

  • On average across G7 countries, women account for only 30% of the tech workforce, and even fewer women occupy the top levels of tech companies according to PwC’s Women in Technology Index.

    The report by the professional services firm is part of its overall Women in Work account, which analyses “female economic empowerment” based on indicators such as gender pay gaps and employment/unemployment rates.

    Factors were evaluated across all G7 countries, which consist of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK and the US.

    PwC found that Canada is the best performing country in terms of gender representation and equality in the tech sector, with France in second place.

    The UK is fifth out of the G7 in the Women in Technology Index.

    Its poor performance is driven by worse than average performance on all indicators except the share of women on boards in the technology, media and telecoms (TMT) sector.

    RELATED: NI's gender pay gap has increased yet is still smallest in the UK, says PwC

    Laura Hinton, chief people officer at PwC UK commented: “Technology is front and centre for businesses and wider society, so it's vital we take steps to make the industry as inclusive as possible.

    "It’s encouraging to see progress being made in opportunities for women across the UK as businesses invest across the country, but more needs to be done.

    “Long-term, targeted solutions will be vital in making changes sustainable. We know that in areas such as STEM women are under-represented.

    "In order to build and sustain a pipeline of diverse talent, businesses need to work together to encourage girls at young ages through initiatives such as Tech She Can - a programme which inspires and educates young women to get into tech careers.”

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    The study indicates that artificial intelligence (AI) and new technologies, such as robotics, drones and driverless vehicles, could displace jobs for women, but can also create new ones.

    PwC claims that the health and social care sector - a substantially large employer of women - is expected to experience a net increase in female employment as a result of technology.

    However, the wholesale and retail trade and manufacturing sectors are expected to experience a net decrease for the same reason.

    A recent PwC global survey found that more than half of workers worldwide believe that automation will either significantly change or make their job obsolete within the next decade.

    About the author

    Niamh is a Sync NI writer with a previous background of working in FinTech and financial crime. She has a special interest in sports and emerging technologies. To connect with Niamh, feel free to send her an email or connect on Twitter.

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