Ottawa, June 12, 2024—A new ICTC Gender Equity Toolkit offers calls to action that individuals and organizations can take to help advance the careers of women in the digital economy. Each call to action provides key concrete strategies and considerations for people, processes, and technology to affect sustainable change.
Read the report/toolkit: Advancing Women in the Digital Economy: A Gender Equity Toolkit for Individual Leaders, Organizations, and Ecosystem Players.
Key calls to action:
Provide equal access to opportunities for visibility, networking, and recognition
Strategy 1: Facilitate organic interactions and internal gender-inclusive networking opportunities
Strategy 2: Provide thought leadership and external networking opportunities
Build inclusive organizational cultures
Strategy 1: Promote inclusive leadership principles in day-to-day practices
Strategy 2: Activate sponsors, advocates, and allies
Identify and remove sources of bias in talent management processes
Strategy 1: Conduct audits on talent management processes
Strategy 2: Address biases through training and talent management transparency
Create work environments that foster self-expression and diversity
Strategy 1: Establish policies that address the diverse needs of employees
Strategy 2: Implement best practices to achieve EDI goals
Foster work-life balance through family-friendly values and processes
Strategy 1: Implement family-friendly policies and standard operating procedures
Strategy 2: Create work environments that encourage mental wellbeing and work-life balance
Strategy considerations include people considerations related to company culture and interpersonal dynamics; process considerations providing guidance on the operational infrastructure to help sustain new ways of working; and technology considerations that offer recommendations for the types of digital technologies and informational databases organizations can leverage to implement action items.
This toolkit is being introduced to address women’s underrepresentation in the digital economy. Prior research shows that women tend to leave science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) roles mid-career due to systemic challenges and a lack of diversity-enabling infrastructure.
“Empowering women in the digital economy isn't just a goal; it's a must for driving progress and innovation in a globally competitive landscape. Our new Gender Equity Toolkit offers actionable strategies to break down barriers and elevate women's careers. It's time to turn awareness into action and build a shared digital future.” — Namir Anani, ICTC President & CEO
Read the Toolkit
Advancing Women in the Digital Economy: Toolkit
About ICTC
The Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is a neutral, not-for-profit national center of expertise with the mission of strengthening Canada's digital advantage in the global economy. For over 30 years, and with a team of 110 experts, we have delivered forward-looking research, practical policy advice, and capacity-building solutions for individuals and businesses. The organization’s goal is to ensure that technology is utilized to drive economic growth and innovation and that Canada's workforce remains competitive on a global scale.
To arrange an interview on this study or other media inquiries, please contact Paul Stastny at @email or 403.351.0138 Ext. 823.
This project is funded in part by Women and Gender Equality Canada (WAGE).
