The shortage of female employees and entrepreneurs in the technology sector has been a growing concern on the minds of IT Principals. As it becomes one of the most in-demand fields in the entire job market, parity should be the norm. However, a recent study found that the tide may be turning, and the internet may be responsible for the change.
The survey was released by freelance staffing company Elance, and it found that virtual work could be the key to women finding a stronghold in order to compete with the men. More than 7,000 independent professionals worldwide responded, and 70 percent said online work offers more opportunities for success than traditional on-site jobs.
There are several reasons why this is the case. Respondents cited a level playing field, greater work-life flexibility, the ability to build a business and the intellectual challenges that come with working on a diverse group of projects.
"Is online technology work in danger of becoming a 'pink ghetto?'" a Small Business Trends article about the survey asked. "If women continue to feel they can't enjoy success [in real life] but only online, then yes. But the women in the Elance Women in Technology survey aren't worried about this. A whopping 80 percent are optimistic about the future success of women in technology, and 32 percent are extremely optimistic."
However, there are changes that need to be made. Respondents mentioned equal pay for equal skills, better parent and teacher encouragement to girls interested in the tech field, the dispelling of stereotypes and more female tech role models as areas of opportunity.
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