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The gender imbalance throughout ICT and computing education must be rectified if the UK is to meet the growing demand for IT professionals, and secure the future growth of the sector, says a new report from BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT and e-skills UK.
The Women in IT Scorecard reveals that girls account for just 6.5% of those taking A level computing. However, they consistently out-perform boys in computing and ICT A levels.
The Scorecard examines participation rates and trends by gender from secondary education through into the IT workforce. It includes international comparisons by gender in IT occupations and the IT sector, as well as an evaluation across other STEM subjects.
Gillian Arnold, chair of BCSWomen said: “While there are some good indications in the findings that suggest there is progress is some areas (for example - an increase in the number of women working in IT part-time), it's still not enough. We need to work together, as individuals, educators and businesses to tackle the issue. We know girls and women are good at computing and we need to translate that ability into action, and inspire them to see IT as a career option that offers them great career opportunities.”
The report also investigates whether the low representation levels of females is a problem limited just to the IT workforce in the UK, or is an issue that needs to be addressed throughout STEM subjects and across the globe. The research shows that in a comparison with other European nations the level of female representation in IT positions within the UK is slightly below the norm, but also shows that the gender imbalance is a problem in all 15 of the EU nations.
Karen Price OBE, CEO of e-skills UK adds: “Women have a significant contribution to make to the IT sector and it is vital for the economy that we ensure they have the opportunity. Employers care deeply about the gender imbalance and are committed to taking action to improve it. This joint report provides the evidence we need to face the problem head-on, and to develop hard hitting and effective interventions to solve it.”
The full report can be downloaded here.
Picture caption: © John Valenti | Dreamstime Stock Photos
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