The problem of “programmers” culture: “The female view is excluded from the technological solutions that will shape the future” | technology

If in the general work environment women experience greater difficulties than their male counterparts in obtaining a salary increase and access to a higher position, in the technological sector, in particular, this trend is intensifying. The non-profit organization Digital Fems presented this Tuesday at the Espacio Fundación Telefónica the report Technologists in Spain, which is the first in this regard in our country, which collects the thoughts and perceptions of 488 women included in the study. According to the data it collects, 56.3% of women dedicated to technology in Spain believe or have the perception that they have not found the same opportunities to reach positions of greater responsibility than their male colleagues. Women techs are still a minority and a culture programmer (macho programmer) is still very present in the sector.

Despite this, the data obtained shows that 78.2% of technologists feel that they are able or very capable of facing complex technological developments: “They have a strong perception of their technical knowledge and security in relation to their field in Hard skills (hard skills or acquired technical skills and knowledge), ”the report reads. Thais Ruiz de Alda, one of the researchers responsible for the analysis and founder of Digital Fems, defended that women working in this sector “feel empowered,” but also verified that the syndrome The scammer continues to play a role in the path of professionals.

Added to this is the lack of support in their career: 3.1% have given up their technical role or left the technology sector directly and 47.1% have quit their technical job at least once because they did not receive support in their development. The text explains that “this lack of support is characterized by the absence of professional promotion, the absence of equality policies or the lack of salary increases.”

48% of technologists were promoted in the last year, but one in five did not receive economic or salary compensation for it. According to the World Economic Forum, the gender wage gap in Spain reaches 28%. Of the respondents who have worked with their current company for more than two years, nearly 24% have not received any kind of promotion. “We can’t afford the luxury of not promoting women,” Ruiz de Alda gushes.

The presentation of the results was followed by a discussion among several professionals involved in the technology sector, all of whom are women. “Women have been kept out of the programming world (…) and the direction we’re taking is not a change,” declared Patricia Horillo, founder of Wikiesfera. Activist and musician Rocío Saez has advocated that we should be “realistic, the future is technological, and if women don’t exist in that future, we will continue to be excluded.” boss women to follow She added, “The female gaze is excluded from the technological solutions that will shape the future.”

Almost 60% of the technologists surveyed confirmed that in the past three years there had been no change in diversity policies in their corporate environment, and 56.3% acknowledged that they either do not exist or are not aware of their presence in their company or organization. A department or person responsible for ensuring compliance with the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies.

With regard to sexual harassment in the workplace, the figures are also alarming: 22.7% confirm that throughout their career they have suffered or have experienced a situation of sexual harassment and 5% decline to answer. According to the organization responsible for the study, “In masculine sectors (such as technology), it is common for this type of situation to thrive.”

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