Know How Women in Data Science Breaking Gender Stereotypes

Women have already marked their presence and brought several milestones in the tech industry. Few women have reached the summit of success and are helping other women overcome challenges in their tech careers. Many women face numerous challenges in the tech industry, due to which they end up giving up their careers. 

This happens in every sector and especially in the technological field. Despite facing many obstacles, few women have worked hard and now have a solid careers in the field of  Data science and other tech industry. This inspires many other women to perceive Data science as a career.

According to a report by Boston Consulting Group (BCG), women hold only 15-22% of Data Science jobs, this shows the underrepresentation of women in Data Science. Many research studies clearly state that women have a considerably low share of jobs in the STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field. 

Women in Data Science (WiDS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to creating awareness and educating women in the field of Data Science and Analytics. WiDS has conducted around 200+ conferences and workshops in 60 countries. Datathon is one of their successful event encouraging women to pursue a Data science career.

Factors Affecting Women Enrolling in Tech Field

The lack of Gender Diversity in the technological field is attributed to various reasons such as career breaks,  the gender pay gap, maternity health, and gender discrimination in the workplace. 

Pay Gap 

Pay gap is one of the prominent factors which exists in almost every industry. Despite having the required qualifications and good performance, women are underrepresented and underpaid. Studies show that about 38% of women expressed dissatisfaction with their paycheque compared to their male colleagues. Further, this pay gap widens as women take up higher positions.

Educational Background 

India has around 660 million female graduates, but only a few have decided to pursue higher education in STEM. Data science professionals have various degrees about 51% of them hold bachelor’s degrees, of which 34% are university graduates and only 13% are Ph.D. holders. Female research scientists are a complete minority in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. Thus the contribution of women in research and technology is less compared to male researchers. 

Promotion Gap 

The managerial roles in various tech organization for women are limited; very few reach the top-most hierarchical positions after battling so much of stereotypes of work culture. A study by Turing Institute shows that female data scientists and artificial intelligence professionals lacked advanced skills. Only 12% of women updated their skills compared to 16% of men. Though women account for 45% of employees in the public domain, only 5% reach CEO positions.

Why Should Women Choose a Data Science Career?

Data science is a better career opportunity for many, promising a long career, good work culture, and a high pay scale. Still, many women do not come forward to start their careers as female data scientists. Let’s discuss this below;

Data Science and Artificial Intelligence is a high-paying career where even Non-tech people have found better career options.  The covid-19 pandemic showed us that the probability of women losing their jobs is more in times of crisis than men. The average salary package of a data scientist is more than average salary of all other sectors.

Growth of opportunities is fairly increasing in Data science as more businesses and industries are realizing importance of data scientists and analysts. Furthermore with industry experience women can land up in Senior Data scientists role.

Data Science is not just limited to tech, it has a wide range of applications in business, finance, fashion, research, agriculture and many more. Hence there is no barrier of job oppurtunities, women can become Data scientists in any field tapping into their highest potential.

Final Thoughts 

Many developed countries are moving towards automation and technology this paves the way for more opportunities to female data scientists. Creating awareness and providing better education in Data science makes women participate in Data science job sector more. 

When it comes to transitioning career ,Data science remains the best choice for women adding a valuable skillset to their career. If you are planning to start your career in Data science irrespective of your educational background, your best option is enrolling in a Data Science and AI master program. You will learn and practice with the best industry experts and gain valuable knowledge.