The struggle for gender parity in the tech sector is ongoing. WomeninTechZA estimates that only 23% of tech jobs in South Africa are held by women. It’s time for the ‘boys clubs’ to be dismantled. This was a key theme of the recent BCX-sponsored Wired4Women Women’s Day lunch.

As South Africans marked 30 years of celebrating Women’s Day, women ICT leaders converged at Marble Restaurant for the annual Wired4Women Women’s Day celebration. Leaders from various sectors shared their insights, challenges, practical solutions, and successes under the theme “Inspire Inclusion: Women Are Natural Mentors, and Together We Can Inspire Inclusion.” This year’s celebration honoured women in ICT while highlighting ongoing efforts to address gender inequality in various spheres, notably in leadership and technology.

Cheryl-Jane (CJ) Kujenga, Chief Financial Officer at BCX, the event sponsor, shared sobering statistics on women’s inclusion in the ICT industry and painted a stark picture of the work that needs to be done. “Only 23% of tech jobs are held by women in South Africa. The total number of women working in ICT is just 56,000. For a sector responsible for almost 6% of GDP, and in a country with a working population of about 40 million, this is a sobering statistic,” Kujenga said.

The struggle for women to break into male-dominated spaces has long been a topic of discussion. The observation that “we ask of women questions that we do not ask of powerful men” highlights a critical issue. Women often face unique challenges in the workplace that are not imposed on their male counterparts. These challenges are compounded by double standards and gender biases, which can make the journey to leadership roles particularly daunting.

Keynote speaker Simo Mkhize, Chief Operating Officer at Telkom Consumer, highlighted how women are often disadvantaged, as corporate South Africa remains heavily male-oriented. “Allyship is critical in the discussion on inclusivity; male colleagues and leaders in the C-suite have the responsibility of also prioritising inclusion in the workplace,” Mkhize said.

In the corporate world, ‘boys clubs’ often impede women’s success and progress. When asked about how women can break into these ‘boys clubs’, Mkhize advised taking the initiative and being deliberate about breaking into these spaces to succeed in the corporate world. Using the example of men discussing business at golf clubs and making critical decisions while playing a round of golf, he stressed the importance of finding ways to push into these spaces while remaining authentic. “People will speak for a while, but they will eventually get over it,” Mkhize said to applause.

The panel discussion, facilitated by MC Zoya Mabuto-Mokoditoa, saw participants sharing experiences of navigating biases and offering practical solutions. The panel featured Shabhana Thaver, CIO at Investec Specialist Bank SA; Caryn Bell, CIO at FNB South Africa; Mpho Hlefana, Managing Executive: Marketing at BCX; and Dr Philile Mkhize.

Hlefana highlighted mentorship as crucial for overcoming systemic barriers. “Mentorship is essential not just for personal growth but also for thriving in male-dominated fields,” she said.
Addressing gender inequality also involves changing the narrative around women’s roles and expectations. Speakers highlighted the need to shift perceptions and not apologise for being both professionals and mothers. Changing the narrative is crucial for overcoming systemic barriers. It involves normalising the presence of women in all roles and ensuring that work environments are accommodating.

The discussions at Wired4Women included actionable steps for creating more inclusive environments. Key action items included:

1. Changing narratives: Proactively change narratives by being assertive about your needs and setting boundaries that work for you.
2. Addressing internal barriers: Evaluate and address internal barriers to prevent giving away power in the face of resistance. Advocate for yourself in all professional settings.
3. Investing in mentorship: Dedicate time to mentoring younger generations entering tech and leadership roles. This investment helps build a pipeline of future leaders and supports inclusive policies.
4. Supporting work-life balance: Advocate for and support policies that promote work-life balance, including flexible scheduling and accommodating diverse responsibilities.
5. Building relationships with allies: Cultivate relationships with male allies and executive assistants who can help plan more inclusive events and advocate for your presence in key meetings and discussions.

The phrase “you can’t be what you can’t see” is crucial for empowering women, both in the workplace and beyond. Role models matter, and the Wired4Women Tech Forum remains committed to addressing the gender imbalance in South Africa’s ICT sector.

As Dr Mkhize aptly put it, “It’s not about who is going to let me; it’s about who is going to stop me.” This determination to push boundaries and effect change will lead to a more inclusive and empowered future for women in leadership and technology.