A survey carried out by YouGov Global Profiles showed that the global average is around 6%
Data from YouGov Global Profiles showed that, of the total number of consumers who say they work in the Information Technology (IT) and telecommunications sector, 66% are men. According to the survey, this data, combined with the fact that this sector employs a relatively small population of professionals, means that few women are really part of the technology industry.
This principle also applies to Latin America. Also according to data from Global Profiles, only 6% of women employed in the region say they are part of the technology industry. The percentage, although similar to the global average (also 6%), varies from country to country.
In Brazil, for example, 7% of female consumers say they are part of the IT/Telecom sector, while the number drops to 5% in Colombia, and just 3% in Argentina. In Mexico the figure is 6%, very similar to the average for the continent.
Despite being a small fraction of the female population in Latin America, Global Profiles data suggest a strong correlation between women working in the technology industry and various situations that suggest higher levels of economic and social well-being.
For example, 40% of women employed in the technology industry have children under the age of 18, almost double the 26% of women in all other sectors. They are also substantially more likely to be married or in a civil union (59% vs. 48%).
Additionally, half of women employed in the technology sector say they own their home with no debt, mortgage or any outstanding debt, compared to 41% of all other employed Latinas.
Perhaps most importantly, they are significantly better paid: 21% of Latin American consumers working in IT/Telecom are high earners (more than 200% of the average), compared to 9% of Latin American women working in other sectors.
drop in income
These better socioeconomic conditions also seem to have served as a shield against the recent financial crisis. The YouGov 2023 economic outlook study suggests that, overall, women’s discretionary income worldwide is down 52% from 2022. But Latin American tech women are still optimistic about their financial situation, especially compared to women employed in other sectors.
Global Profiles notes that seven out of ten women working in the IT and telecommunications sector agree that their financial situation is better now than it was a year ago. Additionally, 59% say they feel financially secure. Among Latin American women working in any other sector, the percentages are just 58% and 48%, respectively. More importantly for brands, women working in the technology sector in Latin America are much more willing to spend.
(Credit: Javier Quesada on Unsplash)
