TechCrunch: sponsors could be key to gender diversity in tech.

April 20, 2020

Lack of gender diversity in the tech industry is a pervasive issue. Today, in 2020, women still only comprise 26% of the tech workforce, many of whom languish in lower-level positions. 

There are, however, solutions for companies that want to improve gender diversity and the advancement of women in the field. One proven tactic is that of implementing sponsorship programs, where those in leadership positions advocate for their more junior colleagues and proactively help to advance the careers of their "sponsorees."

"A sponsor can help eliminate bureaucratic red tape and other hurdles by putting the focus on an employee’s skills and accomplishments, recommending her for coveted assignments, and identifying and helping female employees secure opportunities to expedite advancement," writes Rebecca Henderson, CEO of Global Businesses and executive board member at Randstad. "To correct the gender imbalance, employers should place a bigger emphasis on providing career progression offerings, like sponsorships."

Another advantage of sponsorships in tech is the impact on wages: women who have sponsors make 11.6% more than their counterparts who don’t. Empowering female tech talent also goes a long way toward meeting a company’s overall diversity and inclusion goals.

Read more about how companies are using sponsorship programs to improve gender diversity in TechCrunch. You can also visit Randstad Sourceright’s Diversity and Inclusion Insights Stream for more insights on advancing inclusion in your own organization.

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