Break the Bias – Industries Crying Out For More Women
It’s International Women’s Day this Tuesday 8th of March and the theme for 2022 is Break the Bias!
International Women’s Day plays an important part in the collective global community for women’s rights and gender parity.
International Women’s Day has it’s roots in the suffrage movement, on March 8th 1917 in Soviet Russia women gained suffrage and the day become a holiday celebrating the women’s rights movement. In 1975 it was adopted by the United Nations, and it is now celebrated worldwide.
Whether we know it or not we all walk around carrying a certain amount of bias; in our assumptions, our opinions and our beliefs. This International Women’s Day we’re all being called on to #breakthebias, to challenge our systems of belief, our thought structures and our long-held opinions to breakdown the system of oppression faced by all women.
But did it ever occur to you that even as a woman you might be unknowingly contributing to this oppressive system?
When you are brought up in a system that limits you, that says you can’t do something, you come to believe it over time. Eventually you don’t try and you even police other women to.
It’s a perfect system of oppression, establishing a world in which you limit yourself and others, so the system is self-sustaining.
Well, it’s time to break that cycle and break the bias! In these male dominated industries, they are crying out for more women. Don’t limit yourself to the soft skills associated with the quote unquote fairer sex, jump into these boys clubs with both feet!
Coding / IT / Computer Sciences
Did you know that the gender gap in computer sciences is actually growing? In 1995, 37% of computer scientists were women. In 2022 this has dropped to just 22%. If this trend continues uninterrupted the computer sciences industry will eventually be all men.
Girls who code are actively trying to keep this from happening. The Girls who Code movement was started by Reshama Saujani in 2012. Saujani, who was on the campaign trail for her run for the United Sates Congress noticed that all the schools she visited didn’t have many girls in the computer science classrooms.
The organisation provides education, mentorship and programs to get more girls interested in and educated on the computer sciences and how to code. Their goal is achieve gender parity in the industry, with a plan to close the gender gap in entry level tech jobs by 2030.
When it comes to the computer sciences industry there is a vast array of disciplines and sectors to look into including website development, application design, information technology and cyber security.
This industry is desperate for more women, it pays well and it’s a rewarding field to move into. If you’re interested in knowing more get in touch with our course advisors here.
Security
From the outside the security industry may look like a real boys club. The truth is, this industry is crying out for more women.
The private security industry in Australia has been going from strength to strength the last few years. The requirements and shift to the new normal in the wake of living with COVID has meant there is an increased need for private security guards in a range of positions across the board.
But even before COVID, the industry has been pushing for more women and representation from entry level positions all the way up to management.
ACT state manager for Wilson’s Security Chevelle Millhouse told ASIAL, “The challenge for employers is how to attract more females and retain them within their organisations. Outside of the industry we can be perceived as a traditionally male sector, and this can create barriers for potential candidates considering entry.”
Janine Hill, General Manager for business development at MSS Security echoed this sentiment saying, “We have an increased focus on growing female participation in the private security sector and more women employed in senior positions within the corporate sector.”
In the security industry there is a range of roles you can pursue from concierge to crowd control, airport security to gatehouse or roving guard work .There is a role in this industry to suit everyone. If you’re interested in knowing more about the security industry you can check out the course here or get in touch with one of our friendly course advisors here.
Trades
Did you know that 98% of the construction and infrastructure workforce is comprised of men? With women only making up 2% of the workforce, this industry is overdue for an overhaul.
While the trades workforce has traditionally been a male dominated sector, there are some amazing women forging a path in this industry.
One of the most recent examples is the glam plasterer of Tik Tok. This 18 year old tradie lives in the UK and has gained quite the following with her Tik Tok videos showing her plastering with long acrylic nails and full make up. Her videos garner both admiration and criticism but she speaks openly about smashing stereotypes and the sexism she’s facing in her industry.
The Australian organisation Tradeswomen is actively trying to bring more representation to their industry, offering education and places of support for women and gender nonconforming individuals in the trades workforce.
The Mines
There’s always work going in the mining industry. This sector sees a lot of workers operating on a fly in/fly out schedule, completing trades and working with large machinery. While it’s traditionally been a male dominated industry, they are actively looking to recruit more women to the sector.
Ten years ago, women made up only 10% of the mining workforce in Australia. Now it’s over 16%.
And the numbers a growing every day.
Renata Roberts has been working in the mining industry for almost 20 years, she told the Australian.
“Today, we have a much greater representation of women in management, trade and operations roles,” she says. “Our industry has embraced attraction and retention strategies dedicated to gender diversity. We have male champions for diversity and other initiatives such as mentoring programs for women in leadership roles.”
Mining is definitely an industry on the grow for gender equality.
Gender diversity is statistically proven to be good for companies.
It should come as no surprise that gender diversity in the workplace has a marked effect, improving the pool of candidates on offer, the range of perspectives and even the bottom line of the company, with reports showing that gender diverse companies are more 21% more likely to achieve above average profitability.
So, get out there and #breakthebias this International Women’s Day!
Consider a career in STEM, construction or security!
If you’re looking for a career change, get in touch with our friendly Course Advisors. They will be happy to guide you through some of the exciting industries and qualification options out there for women today.