Survey reveals challenges women face in the digital world

The TEAM LEWIS Foundation has released the results of a global survey that highlights the challenges women face in an increasingly digital world. The study was conducted in support of HeForShe, the United Nations Women’s entity for engaging men and boys in support of gender equality and empowerment of women.

Despite improvements in the number of women in senior management roles, job security and financial rewards for women are still lagging. The survey found that more men reported receiving a bonus over the last year in 2023 than in 2021, whereas women experienced the reverse.

One of the main challenges highlighted in the survey was the need for more female mentors and role models in the workplace, especially in STEM roles. In tech, women only hold five per cent of leadership positions.

One-quarter of women in the study said they have felt prevented from pursuing a job due to a lack of representation or role models. At the same time, one-third cited a lack of opportunities or visibility. Younger women aged 18-24 were the most reluctant to consider a career in STEM.

Interestingly, younger men also noticed this trend, with nearly half of the men aged 18-24 stating that they believe there is a stigma around women in STEM.

Vice President of Professional Development from TEAM LEWIS, Inez Odom, commented that “men need to step up and become better allies” as women continue to participate in STEM and online spaces.

“Our research shows that when it comes to solving issues in the workplace, men don’t believe it is their responsibility to act. One-third of men feel it is not their place to challenge gender-based discrimination in the workplace.

“Nearly a third of men feel it is not their place to challenge sexism online. That isn’t good enough. It is time for men to take accountability and speak out against sexism in the real world and online.”

Overall, the survey highlights the ongoing challenges women face in the workplace and online spaces, including the lack of female mentors and role models, the under-representation of women in leadership roles, and the prevalence of sexism in online communities. It calls for men to take action and become better allies supporting gender equality and women’s empowerment.