This text is part of the special Feminine Leadership notebook
The IT industry is still subject to many stereotypes, which leaves it lagging behind when it comes to gender equality. Organizations in the sector have chosen to roll up their sleeves to make things change.
If you’re asked to imagine someone who works in the information technology (IT) industry, chances are you’ll picture a bespectacled IT worker in their 40s…rather than a young woman.
In 2022, in Quebec, nearly one in four workers in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector was a woman, according to the latest data compiled by TECHNOCompétences, the sectoral committee of ICT workers. However, there are only 15% women in management roles in science, engineering and technology, according to a study conducted in 2023 by Randstad.
“It remains a man’s world, and we have a lot of pressure, as women, to make our place,” says the general director of the organization Le code des filles, Marie-Lou Lefebvre. Yes, we must do it, but ideally, we should also have allies. Because breaking barriers is everyone’s business, not just women. »
“Breaking barriers, promoting women in IT” is precisely the title of the guides launched in the spring by Le code desfilles, a Quebec organization dedicated to challenging and interesting young girls in the fields of technology. These two guides (one intended for businesses, the other for educational organizations working with young people) were produced in collaboration with the Quebec Observatory of Inequalities.
“The goal was really to find solutions and avenues of reflection to change the workplace and educational organizations,” adds M.me Lefebvre.
Tenacious stereotypes
The stereotypes associated with the world of IT are tough, and are often based on unconscious biases that we can reproduce without realizing it. “It is certain that if Mme Sophie, a primary school teacher, has difficulties with computers, and she asks Mr. Paul to come help her in class… we are already giving the children an example which reinforces the idea that girls are not comfortable with computers, and that it is the gentlemen who are good at it, illustrates Mme Lefebvre. And it’s very difficult to counter all that! It’s Mr. Paul who takes care of the IT… We’re not going to feminize him! »
However, this very widespread image, and the fact that the industry has relied heavily on video games to attract boys into IT careers in recent decades, can explain why there are still very few girls enrolling in IT careers. study programs related to this field, explains the general director of the Observatoire québécois des inequalities (OQI), Nathalie Guay.
Attract girls…and keep them
In electronics and computer science techniques at college, women represent only 6% of registrations. And in the baccalaureate in computer science, the proportion of women reaches 19%, according to the most recent data compiled by the Superior Council of Education of Quebec. “Among the possible solutions that we have proposed, there is that of focusing on other facets of IT professions, or of emphasizing the creative side involved in the design of games, for example,” indicates Mme Guay.
“There is no reason why women would be less capable than men to work in technology or IT,” says Marie-Lou Lefebvre. Let’s say that in construction, for example, we can give the example of physical force, but in IT… there is no reason! »
Another problem noted by those who work in the IT sector and who were part of the advisory committee for the development of the Girls’ Code guides is the retention of women within companies. The fact that IT companies are made up mainly of men, and that it is an environment where it is generally valued to work more than fifty hours per week, can discourage women from staying there, since they still carry the greatest share of responsibilities within their family, notes Mme Guay.
“When the employer organizes a multitude of happy hours, it’s not suitable for some, since it’s dinner time and the children’s bedtime,” notes M.me Lefebvre. But if you changed the formula and had business dinners, everyone could be there! »
The IT field is also characterized by more informality in relationships, since it is often young companies that are starting up. We therefore find small teams, without expertise in human resources or a policy against harassment, for example, and not always inclusive. “Informality is another risk factor that was identified by TECHNOCompétences,” notes Nathalie Guay.
Solutions within everyone’s reach
But solutions are within reach of just about every business, adds M.me Guay. Establish consultations with the team and anonymous surveys on the perception of inclusion in the workplace, offer training on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), establish clear work balance policies -family, promoting women in business promotion are some examples.
The general directors of the OQI and the Girls Code remain optimistic. “In 2016, there were only 16% women in the industry,” emphasizes Nathalie Guay. We are now at 24%. We are heading in the right direction. There are still a lot of challenges to overcome, but I think the more women there are, the more they will get involved and take charge. »
“There is so much potential in this area,” adds Marie-Lou Lefebvre. I believe in the creativity of girls. There are positions for all personality types and I am convinced that girls have their place in the field. We just have to succeed in doing our part.”
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