Living in the 21st century it is hard to believe that just a century ago women did not even have the basic right to vote. Although social stance of women is a lot more fair shake than it used to be, its still a work in progress. The forms of discrimination women deal with becomes more protrusive when we enter the professional life. One of the most progressive industry of the modern society is the tech industry where both the genders based on their skill set are considered. However, the deep-rooted patriarchy often leads to systematic discrimination between the two genders.

CHALLENGES FACED BY WOMEN:

The most common challenge is proving wrong the social stigma of men being more tech savvy. Women are usually type-casted towards literary area of expertise. Another issue is of receiving less pay compared to their male counter parts. In 2019 women received 22.6% less salary than men. A more specific challenge that women in tech industry face is “the glass ceiling” effect. It refers to the concept that 27.1% women feel an invisible barrier when it comes to promotions towards more executive positions. Although the barrier is invisible the causes are not. Men are always favored more to be trusted with important responsibilities. This further connects to the issue of not being taken seriously due to gender perception.
Around 32.9% women in tech industry face the issue of conservative career perspectives as a part time employee making it the second largest challenge. Women have certain responsibilities of building a healthy home life which leads to them working part time. Instead of appreciating their multi-tasking abilities their careers options get limited and corporations do not often “trust” such employees with promotions.
When it comes to challenges we can not ignore the dire issue of work place harassment. In average EEOC receives around 12,574 cases of work place harassment yearly. This van be of various nature including but not limited to unwanted sexual advance, degradation pertaining to skills and ability and downright bullying. Although rare but in male dominated industries it also results in social isolation of women.

HOW TO OVERCOME THESE CHALLENGES:

Most of the gender discrimination stems from lack of enlightenment which is very easy to overcome through preaching about the importance of equality to your co-workers.
If you own a business make sure to apply strict equal wage rule with the only deciding factor being skills, experience and abilities. Moreover, you don’t have to be an employer to make a difference or even a figure of authority. Your silence can be their biggest strength. Stand up and make your voice heard against gender bias.
Offering flexible working hours Is important when it comes to catering to female employees. This important for female who are mothers and also take care of a household. Establishment of mentorship programs for women is very important. This is the gender who is trained from the start that they will stay being men their whole lives. They need more encouragement and proper direction to select a career path.

CONCLUSION:

In order to run a society like a well-oiled machine it is important to provide equal opportunity to both the genders and its high time we understand that.