Comment | How to Encourage Women into the Scottish Tech Sector

The tech industry, often seen as the cornerstone of Scotland’s economic growth, still faces the challenge of low female representation.

The gender pay gap is still looming and factors like unconscious bias, a lack of female role models, and antiquated workplace structures all have a part to play in pushing this gap further apart.

It’s down to the Scottish tech sector to embody an environment of inclusivity, where women not only enter but thrive and lead the industry.

Government bodies, businesses, and community organisations must come together in harmony to break down barriers and ensure that real change happens.

Identifying opportunities for women in tech

In a heavily male-dominated industry it’s critical for employers to understand their responsibility and influence when it comes to identifying opportunities for women in tech.

Whether a woman wants to pursue a career as a data analyst, data engineer, or business intelligence specialist, businesses need to offer clear pathways and create opportunities through mentorship and education methods where aspiring female tech leaders know that they have a seat waiting for them at the table.

Creating opportunities for women and breaking down barriers starts with having the right framework and messaging in place.

Worryingly, 72 percent of women in tech report experiencing a prevalent “bro culture” at work. Companies need to acknowledge this as an issue and establish how to adopt a working culture that’s free from gender bias.

Moving away from traditional recruitment methods, like changing the language used in job descriptions, reflects respect and equality, showing women who have a high skills aptitude that they are a vital part of their tech organisation.

Building a supportive, flexible environment

A gender-equal workforce is not built overnight; it requires commitment and actionable strategies from employers to enable women to break through and thrive in the tech industry.

Scotland boasts impressive initiatives, which employers should leverage to support their female workforce and build a positive working environment.

Scotland Woman In Technology (SWiT), a 15-year-strong charity network, promotes gender equality in tech and partners with organisations to move the needle in the sector.

SWiT supports women through mentoring programmes, targeted workshops, and industry events, continually championing diversity and working to close the gender pay gap.

For organisations to drive change, they must look to partner with companies and charities like SWiT that fight for the same mission of wiping gender bias and focus on building the right working environment for women to thrive in.

Building a supportive network where women can succeed in their roles is a multifaced approach, and it demands flexible work policies that accommodate diverse needs.

Scotland also supports generous maternity and parental leave policies that are often enhanced by employers, making it easier for women to return to work after having children.

Over the last five years, the Scottish government has committed to increasing free childcare for three-year-olds from 600 hours to 1,140 hours per year.

Additionally, shared parental leave and paternity leave options help to distribute caregiving responsibilities and create a more balanced workplace, giving women the opportunity to balance work and personal commitments.

Ultimately, flexible work policies go beyond convenience—they are a vital part of fostering gender equality in the workplace, dismantling systemic barriers, and ensuring that all employees, regardless of gender, have the support they need to succeed.

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Empowering female leaders

When it comes to empowering female leaders, it’s crucial that they feel heard and have a sense of belonging, as these are key ingredients to their engagement, confidence, and effectiveness in the workplace.

When female leaders feel heard, it rightfully validates their experiences, insights, and contributions to the wider team.

Networking events are perfect opportunities where women can exchange knowledge and experiences, in the hope of overcoming challenges and isolation that often accompany leadership roles.

Mentorship schemes and career coaching like the Scottish “Empowering Women to Lead” programmes create an immersive learning environment for women, which includes interactive group workshops, high-impact one-to-one coaching, and collaborative team projects.

These programmes run by the Scottish government, highlight the commitment to building a collaborative and powerful community of female leaders in digital transformation roles across Scotland.

Encouraging women to return to tech

It can be extremely daunting for women to step back into the fast-moving tech industry after a career break, whether that’s from becoming a parent, being made redundant, or a change in job role. FDM’s Returners Programme offers a structured pathway for women to re-enter the tech industry, addressing the critical need to upskill and reskill candidates.

Participants will be encouraged to develop a blend of hard and soft skills, aimed at rebuilding confidence, mitigating the stigma of career breaks, and facilitating a seamless return to work.

The Scottish tech sector will hugely benefit from adopting strategies that foster inclusivity, flexible working policies, and reskilling pathways for women.

Creating supportive environments, offering tailored training, and partnering with organisations that champion gender equality will bolster the industry to new successes for women in tech, driving sustainable growth and ensuring Scotland’s tech industry remains at the forefront of global innovation.

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