The persistent lack of representation of women in the digital sector is challenging. In 2020, only 18.5 per cent of ICT specialists employed in the EU were women (Malta’s average was 10.7).
These low figures continue, in spite of national and international efforts to address the situation such as the establishment by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) of the International Girls in ICT Day, held every year on the fourth Thursday in April, since 2011. Girls in ICT Day highlights the need to promote technology careers for women.
To commemorate this year’s International Girls in ICT Day, celebrated on April 28, the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) interviewed Fiona Tesi who is a senior manager at Tech.mt. This public-private partnership was established in 2019 by the government and the Malta Chamber of Commerce to promote Malta as a tech centre for innovative technologies.
Women still face considerable challenges and barriers to pursuing a career in the sphere of STEM subjects. Tesi explained that, in helping to minimise the gender gap in the digital sector, Tech.mt is currently offering free training opportunities to young women between the ages of 18 and 29 who are unemployed and/or looking for a career change towards the digital sector.
In order to raise awareness about digital skills and the gender gap and promote solutions to increase the number of EU girls and young women into the digital agenda, the Women4IT, a multi-stakeholder partnership funded by the EEA and Norway Grants Fund for Youth Employment and supported by nine partners across Europe, is being implemented in seven countries, namely Malta, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and Spain.
The inclusion of women in the technological sector helps to reduce inequalities. Women and men often see things from different perspectives, bringing forward unique ideas. Tesi added that “the tech industry needs more of the female gender as they are undervalued in what they can offer to this sector”.
Despite efforts to recruit women and girls into ICT-related jobs, the field remains dominated by men. “Unless women are given adequate support structures to help them combine work and family commitments, women will still find it challenging to keep hold of their job while coping with other responsibilities,” she said.
Moreover, she deems that “by adopting gender-smart work policies, gaps unaddressed by laws are filled and inequality at the place of work is minimised”. Another challenging factor women face in the digital sector “is the small number of women to be looked up to as role models in the same field but, luckily, things are slowly changing.”
The tech industry needs more of the female gender- Renee Laiviera
Education is key to tackle the gender gap in the digital field. Tesi underlined that girls must be equipped with digital skills by prioritising education in ICT subjects from a very young age.
“We must harness the power of technology and use innovative solutions to extend our reach and impact. It is our responsibility to ensure that, instead of being barriers, technology and the internet become enablers for girls and women.”
She admits that “Malta can achieve a higher presence of women in the ICT sector only if policies are adopted and legislation is enforced to promote gender equality and female empowerment by all stakeholders”.
Additionally, “role models of strong, successful females thriving in their careers have the power to break stereotypes”. By creating a mentorship programme at secondary or post-secondary schools or bringing in speakers, parents and educators working in the field can instil confidence in girls who would like to pursue careers in historically male-dominated sectors.
“Research shows that role models have an amplified benefit for girls and women due to gender biases. Girls get inspired and associate themselves when they see other girls succeeding in areas of interest to them and change their mindset and behaviours of how to climb the study and career ladders.”
Technology is already an essential part of our lives and it’s only going to be even more vital in the future.
“If you want to have a role in developing the future, keep developing your skills and abilities in this respective field. It is an exciting industry to work in and the opportunities are endless,” maintained Tesi when asked to convey a message to those girls who aspire to pursue a career in ICT.
She concluded that “technology is not just for techies! The new ways of working as well as the many other benefits of a career in STEM are just a few of the reasons why such learning paths should be considered”.
Not addressing the digital gap will result in losing out on female talent, entrepreneurship and innovation to the detriment of the whole of society.
The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE) can be contacted on 2276 8200 or equality@gov.mt or its Facebook page.