Getting Real About DEI in Tech: Why We Need Women Who Code More Now than Ever

In the tech industry, “progress” should encompass efforts toward inclusivity and diversity — otherwise, tech continues to advance, but the world in which it is made is more of the same. However, recent findings from the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Report 2023 by DDI, a global leadership consulting firm, reveal a disheartening truth: many companies are backsliding in their DEI progress, with serious implications for equity in tech. 

Stephanie Neal, Director of DDI’s Center for Analytics and Behavioral Research, underscores the alarming trend, stating, “With the stress of economic uncertainty and labor challenges, companies have turned their attention away from DEI toward these urgent issues, but that has left many leaders, especially those who are women and from minority racial and ethnic backgrounds, questioning their company and role.”

The report reveals a staggering 18% decrease in leaders’ endorsement of their company’s DEI efforts over the past two years. Moreover, the number of companies lacking DEI programs has risen from 15% in 2020 to 20%. This decline not only erodes trust in corporate inclusion efforts but also exacerbates disparities, particularly among senior leaders, where women and minority ethnic and racial backgrounds are significantly more likely to contemplate switching companies to advance their careers. Or they may leave the tech industry altogether.

Racial equity in tech continues to be a glaring failure in the industry. Inequity continues to be widely reported across the industry: 

• When looking at representation by race, White Americans hold the majority of positions in the US tech sector (62.5%), followed by Asian Americans (20%), Latinx Americans (8%), and Black Americans (7%). Black Americans are underrepresented in tech compared to their population percentage (14%).
• Pay discrepancies reveal that White job applicants are offered higher average pay ($144,000) than Black job applicants ($134,000) for the same positions, indicating a wage gap.
• As employees of companies, Black employees are significantly underrepresented at tech companies, with less than 5% of Black employees working at 67% of tech companies. Tech giants like Facebook have made minimal improvements in increasing Black employee representation (from 2% to 3.8%) over the years. It’s an improvement, but not enough to call it a good improvement. 
• For leadership and executive roles, a vast majority (83.3%) of tech executives in the US are white, indicating a lack of racial diversity in leadership positions.

Despite efforts, tech companies have struggled to improve racial diversity significantly over the years, with only marginal increases in representation reported. There are persistent challenges for Black Americans and other underrepresented groups in terms of employment, salary, and advancement in the tech industry. 

Simply put, the tech industry can’t afford to reduce DEI work, and organizations like Women Who Code, which exist solely to combat inequity in tech, are more important than ever. Cancelling DEI efforts not only stops protecting places at the table — it allows a lock to be put on the door to the room. 

If the industry were going to do better when left to its own devices, the data on race inequity in tech would be much different. As it is, the industry has shown us what it will do about diversity in tech when no one requires it to do better. 

Women Who Code, and organizations like it, take critical concrete initiatives to combat inequities in tech, including: 

• Community Building: We create a supportive community for women in technology through local networks and events. Members can join meetups, hackathons, and workshops to build their professional network, experience a sense of belonging, and upskill in a safe learning environment. 
• Skill Development: We offer free educational resources, including online courses, webinars, and technical resources, to help women enhance their coding skills and stay updated with industry trends to stay competitive as they advance in their careers. 
• Career Support: We provide mentorship programs, scholarships, and career support initiatives to empower women in their tech careers. We offer guidance on job searching, resume building, and interview preparation. We also connect members to hiring managers and other career opportunities. 
• Advocacy and Inclusion: We advocate for gender equality and inclusion in the tech industry by amplifying diversity issues and challenging biases. We also promote policies that support women in technology. Through our blog, podcast, and events, we create spaces and platforms for diverse women to be heard on critical issues. 

Individuals and corporations must take proactive steps to support DEI initiatives. Donating to organizations like WWCode is not merely an act of charity but a strategic investment in a more equitable future for the tech industry. Research indicates that companies with diverse leadership teams are better positioned to navigate challenges and drive innovation in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Spreading awareness and advocating for DEI initiatives is essential in amplifying their impact. Supporting the mission of organizations like WWCode and encouraging others to get involved is the only way to empower positive change and foster a culture of inclusivity within the tech community.

​​💝 Invest in Women in Tech and Support Women Who Code: You can empower the vital work we do to help diverse women excel and thrive in their tech careers. Donate now.