Closing Gender Gap in Nepal’s IT Sector

Nepal, like many developing nations, is increasingly recognising the value of Information Technology (IT) as a critical factor for economic growth and national development. The government has implemented various initiatives aimed at improving technological infrastructure and fostering a digital economy. However, despite these advancements, women remain significantly underrepresented in Nepal’s IT sector.

While strides have been made in the education sector with more women pursuing tech degrees, the broader workforce remains dominated by men. Closing the gender gap in IT is not just a matter of social justice but also of tapping into a vast pool of untapped potential. Empowering women in Nepal’s IT sector is crucial not only for achieving gender equality but also for accelerating the country’s economic development.

One of the most striking aspects of the gender disparity in Nepal’s IT sector is the lack of female participation in the workforce. Data from Nepal Telecommunications Authority and other research studies suggest that women make up only about 7.88% of the total workforce in the IT and telecom sectors. The gender gap is even more pronounced at leadership and decision-making levels. Only a small fraction of women holds key positions, such as CEOs, directors, or senior managers, in tech companies.

This underrepresentation of women in the IT sector not only limits their individual potential but also deprives the industry of a diverse and innovative workforce that could drive progress and growth. The lack of gender diversity can lead to a narrow view of technology’s potential and undermine the quality of solutions created, as technology developed by a homogeneous group may overlook issues faced by marginalised communities, including women.

In education, there has been a gradual but notable rise in the number of women pursuing studies in technology-related fields. The enrollment of women in engineering, computer science, and IT programmes has increased steadily over the years. According to the Ministry of Education, the number of female students enrolling in IT-related courses has increased from around 1,000 in 2011 to over 11,000 by 2021. This shift indicates growing interest and participation of women in technological education. However, while more women are entering the IT education pipeline, the numbers remain relatively low compared to their male counterparts. Additionally, the retention rate of women in these programmes is still a challenge, with many dropping out due to various social and economic pressures. The gender gap in enrollment and retention within tech education needs to be addressed in order to ensure a more equitable distribution of talent within the workforce in the future.

Workplace culture within Nepal’s tech sector poses a significant barrier for women. Many tech companies in the country operate in environments that are still predominantly male-dominated. Gender bias, whether conscious or unconscious, is prevalent in hiring practices, promotions and leadership opportunities.

Social and cultural factors play a major role in determining the career paths of women in Nepal. Traditional gender roles often dictate that women should prioritise domestic duties and caregiving responsibilities over pursuing professional careers. In many rural areas, this cultural expectation severely limits a woman’s ability to attend school, let alone pursue higher education in fields like IT. This challenge is exacerbated by the financial constraints of many families who may prefer to invest their resources in educating male children, seeing them as the primary breadwinners.

Furthermore, there is a lack of encouragement for young women to take an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects which often results in girls not considering IT as a viable career option. These deep-rooted cultural norms must be challenged if Nepal is to achieve gender parity in its technology workforce.

Workplace culture within Nepal’s tech sector also poses a significant barrier for women. Many tech companies in the country operate in environments that are still predominantly male-dominated. Gender bias, whether conscious or unconscious, is prevalent in hiring practices, promotions and leadership opportunities. Women in tech often face the ‘glass ceiling’ which refers to invisible barriers that prevent them from reaching top positions, despite their qualifications or experience. Additionally, harassment and discrimination in the workplace remain persistent challenges for women.

Several organisations, governmental and non-governmental, are working to bridge the gender gap by offering mentorship, networking opportunities, and technical training to young women. These initiatives help women to gain the necessary skills to succeed in IT and encourages them to pursue leadership roles. With the tools to succeed, these programmes are fostering a new generation of female IT professionals.

The government of Nepal has also recognised the need to address gender inequality in the IT sector and has implemented a variety of measures to support women’s participation in technology. Scholarships for female students in STEM fields, job-training programmes specifically designed for women, and funding for women-led tech startups have been introduced to promote womenss participation in the sector. The government has partnered with international organisations to conduct women focused initiatives in digital literacy, entrepreneurship and capacity-building.

To support women-led tech businesses, it is also important for financial institutions and investors to offer more funding opportunities for women entrepreneurs. Access to capital is a main barrier that female entrepreneurs face, and increasing access to venture capital and angel investment can help level the playing field. In addition, mentorship and networking opportunities can provide women entrepreneurs with the guidance and support they need to succeed.

Finally, the economic potential of empowering women in IT is immense. Studies consistently show that gender diversity in the workplace leads to higher innovation, better problem-solving, and improved business performance. By fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce in the tech industry, Nepal can unlock greater potential for growth, not only within the IT sector but also across other industries. Empowering women to participate fully in the digital economy will create a more dynamic, equitable, and prosperous future for the country.

Empowering women in Nepal’s IT sector is not just a matter of closing the gender gap but a critical step towards harnessing the full potential of the country’s digital economy. By addressing the barriers that prevent women from entering and succeeding in IT, Nepal can unlock new avenues of growth, innovation, and social change