#IWD24: Only 33.7% of Nigerian Women Find Tech Workplaces Truly Inclusive
Every March 8 since its inception in the early 1900s, International Women’s Day (IWD) has been celebrated worldwide and is a day where women’s achievements across the board are celebrated and acknowledged.
The theme of this year’s IWD is #InspireInclusion, and this theme was chosen to serve as a way to honour the accomplishments of women, increase public awareness of discrimination, especially in workplaces and act to promote gender parity. In line with the 2024 International Women's Day theme, "Inspire Inclusion", Document Women, The Stack Journal, and Maktaba collaborated on a survey to assess women's experiences in the tech industry.
The target audience for this study was the technology sector, which has been recognised for its innovation and dedication to diversity, equality, and inclusion (DE&I). We conducted an online survey by sampling female professionals working in a wide range of tech roles to understand inclusion from women's perspectives in tech.
The survey was conducted from January 15th to February 16th, 2024, and 179 individuals responded. The survey, which used multiple-choice questions and maintained anonymity, produced insightful results regarding women's views of inclusion in the tech space and its impacts on career advancement and establishing support systems.
Check out our all findings in this report.
Key Findings;
- Most respondents (92.7%) have been in the tech industry for five years or less.
- Product managers and designers were the most represented roles (9.1% each).
- Over 60 per cent of respondents reported that their companies celebrate International Women's Day.
- While a majority (53.9%) saw the tech industry as averagely inclusive, a smaller percentage (33.7%) found their organisations very inclusive.
- Notably, 53.6 per cent of respondents have experienced feelings of exclusion based on their gender within the tech industry.
- Over half (57%) believe there are unequal opportunities for career advancement between genders.
The answers provided by the respondents addressed vital areas.
Check out our all findings in this report.
Perceptions of Inclusion
While various initiatives can promote inclusion, significant areas for improvement remain. The respondents experience challenges in their work-life balance, equal opportunities, and addressing unconscious bias.
Company Practices and Preferences
Many companies celebrate IWD, but further efforts are needed to tailor celebrations to resonate with employees. The respondents prefer mentorship and sponsorship programs, building inclusive teams, and fostering psychological safety as critical strategies to promote inclusion.
Support Systems and Role Models
The importance of support systems was reaffirmed, with internship/apprenticeship programs preferred for encouraging women's entry into tech. A majority of respondents reported having access to mentorship and encountering inspiring female role models
There must be an ongoing need for proactive measures within the tech industry to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for women. This will help ensure equal opportunities and career advancement for all women.