The cloud tech world is always buzzing with new innovations. Each day brings something fresh and exciting. But there’s one big issue we need to fix—gender diversity.

It’s no secret that the tech industry, especially cloud computing, is still mostly men. And even though we’re making progress towards gender inclusivity, there’s still a long way to go.

Getting more women into cloud technology isn’t just about meeting DE&I targets. 

More women in technology is better for business. Why? Because women bring unique views that can change how we think about and use technology. 

The research is clear: Diverse teams are smarter, more creative, and just better at solving problems.

So, why do we need more women in cloud tech, and how can we make it happen? Let’s find out.

What women in Cloud technology are up against.

Women trying to start or grow their careers in cloud technology face many challenges. From unconscious bias in hiring to a lack of mentors, these hurdles can be tough to deal with. 

Let’s look at some of the biggest problems for women in tech today:

Unconscious bias in hiring

Despite efforts to be inclusive, unconscious bias still affects hiring in cloud recruitment.

Women often face stereotypes that question their skills or commitment, limiting their chances from the start.

This unconscious bias isn’t just industry whisperings.

According to a study by McKinsey, women are less likely to be hired for entry-level tech jobs compared to men.

Not enough tech mentors

Having a mentor is so important  for career growth, but women in tech often don’t have access to experienced mentors.

According to recent research, 58% of women say they hope to be in leadership positions, but only 39% say they have a mentor who can help them get there.

This lack of guidance can hold back their career and limit their exposure to new opportunities.

Large gender pay gaps

The gender pay gap is still a big issue in tech. An eye-watering 91.1% of companies in the tech industry pay their male employees more than women. 

Paying women less than their male counterparts in tech roles is really disheartening, often causing them to feel dissatisfied or even quit.

Lack of work-life balance

Balancing work and personal life is a huge challenge, especially in high-demand tech roles. Women often face extra pressure from family responsibilities, which can affect their career growth.

In fact, a recent study by Deloitte found a lack of flexibility around working hours was one of the top reasons women left their roles. The second most common reason was a lack of work/life balance.

Few leadership opportunities

Despite some progress, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles within cloud technology and the IT industry as a whole.

This lack of role models at the top can discourage younger women from pursuing careers in this field. 

A 2022 report from McKinsey revealed that in the tech industry, only 52 women are promoted to manager for every 100 men!

Dealing with “bro culture”

Small, often unintentional comments and behaviours, known as microaggressions, can create a hostile work environment for women in tech.

72% of women in tech have worked at a company where “bro culture” is rampant. This culture often leads to sexist microaggressions at work, fueled by the toxic masculinity often associated with it.

These negative experiences can really impact their confidence and job satisfaction. 

Stories of women leading the way in Cloud computing.

Despite these challenges, many women have made huge contributions to cloud technology. Let’s highlight some trailblazers:

Diane Greene

Diane Greene, co-founder of VMware, revolutionised virtualization technology, setting the stage for cloud computing. As CEO of Google Cloud, she expanded its infrastructure, showcasing the immense value women bring to tech leadership.

Padmasree Warrior

Padmasree Warrior, former CTO at Cisco, led the company into cloud services and later became CEO of NIO U.S., applying her cloud tech skills to develop connected car solutions. Her career highlights the impact of cloud technology.

Kim Stevenson

Kim Stevenson, former CIO of Intel, drove the company’s cloud strategy, boosting efficiency and cutting costs. A strong advocate for diversity in tech, she mentors young women and promotes initiatives to close the gender gap.

These women are thriving in the cloud industry, breaking barriers, and inspiring girls to carve out their career paths in the technology industry. Their achievements show the powerful impact women can have when given the chance.

Like what you’re learning? You might also like, “Debunked! The Myths of Working in Cloud Computing.”

How to support women in Cloud tech.

To keep female talent in cloud technology, companies need to create a supportive, gender-inclusive work culture. Here are some ways you can create more equal opportunities for women cloud workers in your organisation:

1. Developing mentorship programs

Setting up mentorship programs is a great way to support women in tech. By matching less experienced women with seasoned female mentors, they get the guidance and networking they need. 

2. Providing flexible work options

Offering flexible work options like remote work, flexible hours, and parental leave can really help women manage their careers and personal lives. This reduces stress and increases job happiness

3. Offering professional development

Providing training and development opportunities, like courses and workshops, helps women advance in their careers. This shows that the company values and invests in female talent. 

4. Setting up fair policies & practices

Creating fair policies and practices helps support women in tech. Regular policy updates to eliminate bias, along with transparent career paths and salaries, build trust. It’s also important to offer diversity training so everyone understands the unique challenges women face.

5. Creating safe spaces

Support groups or ERGs give women a place to connect and get advice. These groups can also promote policies that encourage gender diversity and inclusion, leading to positive change.

6. Celebrating success

Celebrating women in cloud tech can inspire others and create a culture of appreciation and advancing women in tech roles. Giving awards, shout-outs in meetings, and sharing success stories sets a positive example and motivates everyone to do their best.

Top Cloud courses to help women in tech succeed.

Education and continuous learning are key to empowering women in cloud technology. Many courses, certifications, and training programs can help women advance their careers. Here are some options to consider:

1. Online Learning Platforms

For those starting, online resources like Coursera, Udacity, and LinkedIn Learning provide accessible ways to gain foundational knowledge and advanced skills in cloud computing. These platforms offer flexibility, allowing women to learn at their own pace and balance their studies with other responsibilities.

2. AWS Certifications

AWS offers certifications from basic to advanced levels, equipping women to provide solutions in cloud infrastructure, security, and architecture. These credentials can really advance women’s careers and open doors to higher-level jobs in tech.

3. Google Cloud Certifications

These certifications cover everything from data engineering to machine learning, ensuring proficiency in Google Cloud services. They give women a competitive edge and fantastic networking opportunities.

4. Microsoft Azure Certifications

Azure certifications cater to developers, administrators, and architects. Highly regarded in the industry, they help women further their tech careers, providing practical skills for managing cloud solutions.

Join us in promoting women in Cloud.

At RED Global, we’re committed to promoting gender diversity in cloud technology. We invite companies to partner with us to build diverse and inclusive tech teams. By doing so, we can drive innovation and achieve more success.

Ready to make a difference? Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you or your company promote women in cloud technology.