New research has revealed some of the top barriers facing women entering and currently in the tech workforce.

The Breaking Barriers: Women in Tech Speak Out report – a partnership by Sage, Reframe Women in Tech and Tech Returners – finds five key barriers facing women in tech.

Based on a survey of 102 women currently working in the tech industry and including positions from a 250-people roundtable at Reframe Women in Tech’s conference, the report offers a deeper dive into the types of barriers women face when entering the tech industry.

The report presents not only the barriers cited by women, but ways businesses can mitigate these barriers to encourage more women into the tech force.

According to the Office of National Statistics, the number of women in the tech workforce has dropped this quarter despite overall jobs increasing. Further, tech layoffs have disproportionately affected women workers, only increasing the gender gap in tech.

Top Five Barriers

1. It cites confidence or ‘imposter syndrome’ as a major hurdle for women entering the tech field and calls on businesses to play their part in levelling the playing field.

Nearly all women cited this reason as a barrier to entering tech, and while this may be an internal issue exacerbated by society’s expectations of technology roles, there are actions businesses can take to reduce the effect of this barrier.

Business can improve employee well-being, recognise the importance of career breaks in the hiring process, and invest in confidence support.

2. A lack of awareness or contact with the tech industry is also a top barrier for women, the report says. Women have limited exposure to or awareness of the varying opportunities within the tech industry, hindering their ability to explore or develop the relevant skills.

Businesses can influence education by directly working with groups that engage with young women and girls, and networks within the tech community can help more women become aware of opportunities within the sector.

3. A lack of women role models if an oft-cited barrier affecting women in technology.

This is tied to the awareness gap, which creates a cycle of discouragement for young women interested in technology. Encouragement for mentorship, and elevating women into leadership positions, is the best way to mitigate this barrier.

Recommended reading

• Not Just a Woman in Tech | CGI’s Aimee Jarvie
• UK Tech Sector Layoffs Falling Hardest on Women
• Women in STEM: Disconnect Between Education and Industry

4. The report also cited exclusionary hiring practices has a recurring barrier for women.

To mitigate this, businesses should employ alternative hiring methods, ensure the use of inclusive language, and promote and allow flexible working.

5. Women also cited discrimination as a barrier, including sexism, ageism, racism, and bias affecting their ability to work in the technology sector.

Businesses should establish better policies and training to ensure tolerance and inclusion, establish resource groups for employees, and use anonymised CVs to prevent bias in the hiring process.

Beckie Taylor, Tech Returners, CEO, said: “The findings of this report are eye-opening, and highlight how much more needs to be done at the industry-level to empower women pursuing a career in tech. There are many steps that businesses can take to create a more level playing field, and I urge them to take action today.”

Jo Leniewski, talent acquisition director at Sage, said: ” The report highlights crucial steps for businesses to advance women in tech. Ignoring the gender gap poses an economic risk.

“At Sage, our ‘Sage Pathways’ program aids those re-entering work, changing careers, or starting their professional journey. A diverse tech sector requires pathways for more women to re-join the workforce.”