Participation of women in the EU digital economy lagging

By Gemma Creagh - Last update


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The European Commission has launched an annual scoreboard to monitor women’s participation in the digital economy, on the occasion of the birthday of Ada Lovelace, considered as the world’s first computer programmer. The Women in Digital scoreboard will assess women’s inclusion in digital jobs, careers and entrepreneurship. Initiated by Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, the Scoreboard rates EU countries’ performance in the areas of internet use and internet user skills, as well as specialist skills and employment, based on 13 indicators.

Results

The first edition illustrated that women’s participation in the digital field is lagging behind in several areas. Only 1 in 6 ICT (Information and Communication Technology) specialists and only 1 in 3 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) graduate is a woman. Astonishingly women in the ICT sector earn almost 20% less than men.

On this occasion, Commissioner Gabriel said: “Women account for 52% of the European population but only around 17% of women work in ICT- related jobs.  We must fully unlock women’s potential in bringing a boost to the digital economy. Governments, companies, educators and civil society need to take decisive actions to change this trend. All together, we can promote women’s talents and make sure we encourage them to STEM study fields early on. Today, we have an extraordinary tool, the Women in Digital European Scoreboard that shows where exactly countries must improve women’s situation. It is time to deliver for young girls, women, all our citizens and businesses. Our Digital Europe will be inclusive, competitive & dynamic with their valuable contribution.”

Background

The new Scoreboard also shows that Finland, Sweden, Luxembourg and Denmark registered the highest scores on the Women in Digital scoreboard while Bulgaria, Romania, Greece and Italy registered the lowest. Moreover, there is strong correlation between the scoreboard and the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI). In general, Member States leading in digital competitiveness are also leaders in female participation in the digital sector.

Other Findings

  • There is a gender gap in all 13 indicators at EU level, with some exceptions at country level:
    • In Finland, Estonia and Bulgaria women are more active internet users than men;
    • In Latvia, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Lithuania and Cyprus women score more highly on digital skills than men.
  • The gender gap is the largest in the area of ICT specialist skills and employment: 76 % for ICT specialists and 47 % for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics graduates.
  • The difference in digital participation between women and men within the younger age group (16 to 24) is smaller in relative terms (55% of women compared to 60% of men). In certain countries, the trend is even starting to reverse, with women outperforming men in this category.

Read more online at www.europa.eu.



Gemma Creagh

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