Balancing career and family – how women in tech can power through

 
With movements such as #MeToo, #TimesUp and most recently #PressforProgress, there is a strong global momentum for women’s equality in the workplace. This year’s International Women’s Day saw women across 50 countries protesting against wage disparities, workplace mistreatment and sexism.

It is no secret women continue to be paid less than their male colleagues. While Singapore is in the lead as one of the most equal – positioned at 27 out of 144 countries in the economic participation and opportunity participation in the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Index 2017 – there is still an approximate 18 percent difference.

It doesn’t always get better with time

Workplace gender inequality remains wide, and in the traditionally male-dominated tech industry, this disparity grows. According to data from tech job platform Hired, women actually miss out on pay as they gain experience. Even while performing the same tech jobs in the same company, women in the US receive 98 percent of what their male colleagues are paid.

As time passes, the gap increases. Women with seven to 10 years of experience on average make 93 cents for every dollar a man earns. As for women with 13 to 14 years of experience, they receive just 92 cents per dollar that their male counterpart makes.

A happy family and rewarding career – how women can power through

When should we expect to see a fix in the gender pay gap? The World Economic Forum says: 216 years later. In addition to an ethical and moral issue, it is also an economic one. McKinsey revealed that by advancing women’s equality, US$12 trillion could be added to the global GDP by 2025.

As tech workers get older and have their own families, the balancing act of professional and personal lives can become trickier, especially for women. Working moms in their thirties have shared that they’re often treated as a “maternity risk” by managers who have become accustomed to employees willing to work around the clock.

One of the ways the gender imbalance in tech will improve is through young women’s exposure to tech education. Though 74 percent of young women express interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, they make up a mere 26 percent of the computing workforce. To break the stereotype that STEM sector is reserved for men, it’s important that girls at a primary and nursery level see more female role models and are encouraged to explore jobs in those sectors in the future.

Another way which tech companies can draw more women is to create a culture of workplace flexibility. Work culture has changed significantly in the last few decades. With technology, we are now able to work virtually anywhere. Apple’s At Home Advisors and Dell’s Connected Workplace Program are just some initiatives which offer employees flexible work arrangements.

Join Cognizant in a discussion to empower women in tech

In addition to encouraging flexible work arrangements and focusing on productivity above hours, it’s essential to provide a workplace environment which allows both men and women to thrive. One such company which checks the list and offers a vibrant and meritocratic workplace is Cognizant.

On Wednesday, July 18, they will be facilitating a discussion on how businesses can empower women in tech and new ways for companies to create better work-life balance for their employees. Participants can look forward to a two-way insightful session on how they can manage their professional and personal lives, while still being relevant in today’s market.

Register your interest below before next Friday, July 13, 2018 to secure your seats. As this is an invite-only event, successful applicants will be notified via email.

Shattering Glass Ceilings: How women in tech can power through

Panelists

• Rosaline Chow Koo, Founder and CEO, CXA Group
• Wan Ting Poh, Managing Director, Girls in Tech
• Jayajyoti Sengupta, Head of APAC, Cognizant
• Constance Ho, Director of Consulting, Banking & Financial Services, Cognizant
• Moderated by Valeri Inting, Investor Relations & Community Associate, Wavemaker Partners

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, July 18, 2018
Time: 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Venue: The Great Room @ One George Street