Potential Barriers to the Participation of Women in the Software Industry in Colombia

Abstract

Over the last twenty years, the software sector has become one of the fastest-growing industries globally. Furthermore, the Covid-19 pandemic significantly increased the demand for software tools that support digital services, such as remote working, virtual education, and e-commerce (Wolfgruber 2020). Traditionally, computer science and engineering have been predominately male disciplines (Cukier, Shortt and Devine 2002, 7). The lack of participation of women in these areas is a global matter that represents not only an issue of gender equality but also a challenge for economic growth and competitiveness. Colombia is not an exception to this trend. In 2019, only 21% of the undergraduates in Information Technology areas in this country were women, and this proportion has been decreasing in the last five years (ACOFI 2020, 63). Although the low participation of women in the software industry is not a new topic, most scholarship is centered on the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) areas in general. Academic research focused on gender differences in Colombia's technology and software sectors is scarce and not current. The lack of recent research is particularly problematic for technology fields. Today's computing is drastically different from ten or twenty years ago, involving elements beyond programming, such as interaction design, user experience, project management, and understanding of social impacts (Klawe, Whitney and Simard 2009, 71). Additionally, college students' characteristics and perceptions of technology companies have changed over the years (Sax et al. 2017, 284). Existing literature claims that social norms and educational factors explain the underrepresentation of women in STEM (UNESCO 2017, 11). The fact that women are generally less interested in computer science than men appears as one of the leading causes of the low number of female tech employees in the United States (Reges, 2018). Other relevant factors for the gender gap in technology include the lack of female mentors and demanding, male-dominated work conditions. This research explores the factors that explain the low participation of women in the software development industry in Colombia. Employing a mixed-methods methodology, this study aims to confirm if the main global barriers to women's participation in STEM are also found in Colombia and identify the culturally specific ways those barriers manifest in this country. The first research stage consisted of interviews with experts from diverse sectors, including the technology industry, government, academia, and nongovernmental groups. The second stage included a survey with college students, which allowed to identify the variables that may be determinant for Colombian women to pursue a major in IT areas. The final research stage involved explanatory interviews with a subgroup of the survey respondents, which provided more detailed data on their experiences and perceptions about studies and careers in technology. The research found that the main barriers for women to pursue software careers in Colombia coincide with those identified by global academic literature. One critical factor relates to gender-based stereotypes learned since early in life at home and school. These stereotypes say that girls are not good at math and that engineering and computing careers are more appropriate for men. The lack of role models and the persistence of the male “nerd” stereotype associated with software programmers reinforce the idea that technology careers are not for women. Also, traditional gender roles impose a disproportionate burden of household responsibilities on women, limiting their available time for education and work. One significant barrier in Colombia is the lack of awareness about IT Engineering and the deficit of professional and technical programs focused on software development. Furthermore, the opportunities and benefits of software careers are largely ignored. This research is designed to provide practical information and assist in increasing the number of software development professionals, particularly women, in Colombia. As the primary factor for producing emerging technologies is talent, even more than capital (Schwab 2018), the software sector represents an accessible alternative for developing countries, such as Colombia, to achieve sustainable economic growth and reduce poverty and inequality.