Diversity isn’t just a buzzword to swat away. It not only gives a person or group of people an equal shot at opportunity, but it’s also an advantage to an organization. Having the perspective, participation, and skills of as many types of people as possible is a tremendous benefit. But the damages done by not having diversity within a company or industry are harshest for the individuals who are excluded.
NPower, which provides IT training to veterans and those from underserved communities, has released a report about the challenges that prevent many women of color from entering into careers in technology and what can be done to help them overcome them.
One of the largest barriers facing women of color who are trying to enter tech fields is financial. While some nonprofit organizations offer free programs, the required time commitment impedes on their ability to work enough hours to cover housing and food costs. For 66 percent of the women surveyed, this was their biggest challenge.
Women of color also disproportionately face issues with managing childcare (19 percent) and maintaining stable housing (18 percent). They also shoulder most of the burden in caring for family members with health problems (31 percent).
Providing support and not just classes is key to keeping women in training programs. Social workers can connect them to services to aid in finding and applying for housing, healthcare, childcare, and other services. And bolstered by female mentors, career guidance, and networking groups, programs designed to help women of color in obtaining their tech career goals have and will spread more success.