Bridging the Gap
Gender Gaps in Tech and Digital
Despite major policy initiatives in government, business, academia and civil society women remain starkly underrepresented in tech from education to employment.
The School Gap
9.5% of 6th year girls take 2 or more STEM subjects compared with
38.4% of boys. 29.3% of 3rd year girls take at least one STEM subject (other than
science or maths) compared with 75.7% of boys.
The Degree Gap
Women are the minority in ICT and broader STEM fields n higher
education. 21% of those studying ICT at undergraduate degree level are female. Women have a higher
dropout rate of 37% for tech classes compared to just 30% for other programmes.
The Employment Gap
In 2023 less than 25% of STEM jobs in Ireland were filled by women.
The Occupational Segregation Gap
Men perform four out of five jobs expected
to complement rather than be replaced by new ICT technologies, while women perform only one (those associated with the care sector).
The Representation Gap
3% of women say a career in technology was their first
choice.
The Equity Gap
Internationally 27% of computing roles are held by women, only 3%
and 2% are held by Black and Hispanic women.
The Pay Gap
The gender pay gap in the IT sector in Ireland is 8.4%.
The Retention Gap
Women leave tech roles at a 45% higher rate than men.
The Workplace Culture Gap
22% of women in tech are considering leaving the workforce altogether given the prevailing masculine working culture.
The Promotion & Leadership Gap
Women hold 5% of leadership roles in tech.
The Work Life Balance Gap
51% of women said they do not feel supported by their employers to balance their work responsibilities with other commitments
The Mentorship Gap
Only 16% of women said they get the sponsorship and mentorship they need
The Founder Gap
Women-owned start-ups receive 23% less funding and are 30% less likely to have a positive exit compared to male-owned businesses.