Technology professionals discuss the presence and impact of women in the IT market

March arrives as a powerful reminder of the importance of celebrating the journeys of women and reflecting on the challenges that still persist – particularly in the technology sector, where female representation has historically been limited. Despite significant growth – as data from the General Register of Employees and Unemployed (CAGED) shows, female participation in technology grew [unclear data format, 60%, likely a percentage or number] between 2015 and 2022 – women still represent only 12.3% of professionals, while men comprise approximately 83.3% of the market. Given this context, BeyondSoftPlease provide the full sentence or context. ", consultoria global de TI, e o" is incomplete and cannot be translated accurately without more information. Senac-RJIn the voices of their HR and IT leaders, they emphasize and discuss the presence of women in the technology market.

According to Alexandra Visconti, HR Manager for Brazil and Costa Rica of BeyondSoftThe numbers reveal not only the path taken so far, but also the distance that still needs to be covered in order to achieve true equality of opportunity. The manager assures that, regardless of gender, benefits and salaries are equal rights for all company employees. "Gender is not a factor for working in IT, and over the years, I've had the opportunity to hire men and women equally capable. More and more women are showing interest in this profession, which ensures fabulous diversity for the company. We also hire many technically-skilled women in Costa Rica. The more candidates who emerge, the greater the opportunity for us to hire. Everyone benefits."

Among the challenges faced by women in the IT market, the lack of female leadership is a significant obstacle. According to the Women in Technology research by Michael Page (2021), throughout Latin America, fewer than 30% of leadership positions in this sector are held by women. Betsy Ferreira, Head of Technology at Senac-RJ A seasoned professional with 40 years of experience in the industry reflects on her career. “After six years of rapid advancement at the software company where I started, having reached a senior technical position, I sought a new professional chapter at a large corporation. There, I overcame what may have been the greatest challenge of my professional history: achieving the role of executive manager in a company that had never previously had a woman in that position. I had the privilege of being the first, but it required a process that none of the other executive managers had undergone. I served as interim manager for nearly two years, and only after a thorough evaluation was I finally appointed to the position officially.”

In contrast to the challenges faced, the expansion of female leadership has proven to be a competitive differentiator: according to the report Diversity Matters Even MoreA McKinsey report, released late 2023, found that companies with greater female representation in their executive teams are 39% more likely to perform better financially than their less diverse competitors. "Technology is a field that values adaptability and problem-solving, and when women are included and valued in the sector, they bring a variety of skills and knowledge that enriches the work environment and drives technological progress. That's why diversity in teams is such a positive differentiator," says Alexandra.

For Betsy, the former authoritarian hierarchical leadership profile has been largely subverted by facilitative leaders who inspire, develop, and care for their teams – a new profile that women, facing and overcoming significant professional challenges, are precisely able to develop. "The presence of women in leadership positions brings more human and engaging practices to the corporate environment. These practices tend to accelerate the pace of innovation in the environments where they are situated. Women work collaboratively naturally and are capable of building bonds and connections that amplify the creative power and productivity of their teams," comments the expert.

Among the celebrations and reflections sparked by International Women's Day, both professionals extend an invitation to women who would like to work in technology but don't know how to get started or face barriers to entry. Alexandra highlights the abundance of programs designed to encourage women's training and inclusion in the IT sector, where volunteers and experienced professionals provide mentorship and workshops. Betsy advises women of all ages to seek connections and support, invest in their training, and move forward without fear of challenges. With the diversification of the technology market, everyone benefits, and this is a statement that should not be limited to the month of March.