A cross-national, cross-sectional study of women's retention and advancement in Information Technology (IT) and Engineering careers

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Date
2025-03-25
Authors
Hoang, Lyn
Dengate, Jennifer
Peter, Tracey
Farenhorst, Annemieke
Salminen-Karlsson, Minna
Wolffram, Andrea
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Abstract

The representation and experiences of women in Engineering and Information and Computer Technologies (EICT) fields have been a subject of extensive research and discussion. This report provides a summary of the experiences of women in these fields across Canada, Sweden, and Germany. By examining 58 semi-structured interviews and 4 focus groups, this report identifies commonalities and differences in their experiences, challenges, and opportunities. This report sheds light onto factors that influence women's participation and retention in Engineering and ICT and provides recommendations for improving gender equity in these fields.

We find that the experiences of women in ICT and Engineering fields in Canada, Sweden, and Germany reveal challenges and differences that align with Esping-Andersen's (1989) Welfare State typology. Sweden's social democratic welfare state offers extensive support for work-life balance and gender equality, reflected in the positive experiences of women in ICT and Engineering. Canada's liberal welfare state provides some support but lacks the comprehensive policies seen in Sweden, leading to challenges in balancing work and family responsibilities. Germany's conservative welfare state shows more traditional gender roles and less flexibility in work arrangements, contributing to the greater challenges faced by women in these fields. Addressing gender bias, improving work-life balance, and providing better access to mentorship and career development opportunities are crucial steps in supporting women in Engineering and ICT. By learning from the successes and challenges in each country, we can develop more effective strategies to promote gender equity and create a more inclusive environment for women in Engineering and ICT. This may help to retain women in their Engineering and ICT careers.

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Keywords
Canada, Germany, Sweden, Engineering, Computer sciences, Information technology, Job retention, Job attrition, Gender equity
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