The gender gap in the Swiss tech industry is a pressing concern, reflecting trends seen globally. Despite Switzerland’s reputation for innovation and its advanced technological landscape, women are notably underrepresented in the tech sector. The Gender Intelligence Report 2023 by Advance shows that women’s underrepresentation increases with the management level, with only 22% of women in top management positions. While men predominantly occupy management roles, the number of women increases in lower positions, with 48% of non-management roles held by women.
Research suggests that this disparity starts in education, with fewer women studying STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. This trend continues professionally, where women hold fewer leadership positions and often earn less. Factors like cultural norms, limited mentorship, and unconscious biases contribute to this imbalance. Addressing this gap is vital, not just for equality but to benefit from diverse insights that can propel the industry.
In recent years, many Swiss organisations have championed tech industry diversity and inclusion by launching programs ranging from mentorship for underrepresented tech groups to workshops addressing unconscious biases. Events like hackathons and workshops emphasise diversity and ensure a broad representation. Notably, many of these organisations share a common bond as community partners of Hack’n’Lead, Switzerland’s first women-friendly hackathon.
The Organizations Empowering the Swiss Tech Industry
In this blog post, I highlight 15 organisations excelling in promoting diversity and inclusion in the Swiss tech industry by offering scholarships, training, workshops, women-centric hackathons, and networking events for tech professionals of all levels.
women++
women++ is a Swiss non-profit association dedicated to increasing gender diversity in the tech industry. Their mission is not just about attracting women to the tech sector but also supporting their transition into new roles and promoting female leadership. They organise a range of events and workshops that cover the most promising areas of tech, such as software development, data science, project management, UX/UI design, and machine learning. Their vision is clear: to increase the number of women in tech, especially those looking to advance their existing careers or transition from other fields. women++ key initiatives are Hack’n’Lead, Switzerland’s first women-friendly and inclusive hackathon and deploy(impact), a six-week remote software development program for social good. They also offer scholarship opportunities in collaboration with Constructor Learning.
WiNS – Women in Natural Science at ETH
The Society for Women in Natural Sciences at ETH Zurich, known as WiNS, is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse community within the ETH Zurich environment. Their initiatives include organizing events, marketing campaigns, and political advocacy, all aimed at promoting gender diversity in the natural sciences. They actively encourage participation from anyone passionate about their mission and are open to new members joining their board meetings.
WiDS – Women in Data Science Zurich
Women in Data Science (WiDS) Zürich is a distinguished technical conference that showcases the expertise and leadership of women at the cutting edge of data science, both from the corporate world and academia. WiDS Zürich offers a rich blend of keynote and lightning talks, and uniquely, it incorporates mentorship tables, fostering deeper connections between attendees and speakers. The conference is orchestrated by a dedicated team of volunteers and is part of the global WiDS Worldwide initiative. This global movement is committed to amplifying the participation of women in data science and spotlighting exceptional women making significant contributions in the field. Through such endeavors, WiDS Zürich not only provides a platform for knowledge exchange but also champions the cause of gender diversity in the rapidly evolving world of data science.
Make Zurich
Make Zurich is a pioneering Civic Tech Hackathon event aimed at enhancing urban life through collaborative technological solutions. Organized by Stadt Zürich and the Open Network Infrastructure Association, this event brings together the local maker community and city administration to ideate and develop innovative solutions that address real urban planning and life challenges in Zurich. The hackathon is structured to inspire and educate participants, offering them a platform to explore new solutions that leverage open networks and civic tech. Beyond the main event, Make Zurich provides various opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration, including mentorship tables, workshops, and open lab days. The ultimate goal is to harness the collective expertise of its participants to improve the quality of life in the city, emphasizing the power of community-driven innovation.
Bildungsnetzwerk Aargau Ost
Bildungsnetzwerk Aargau Ost, founded in 2009, is a pivotal organization in the Aargau Ost region, bridging educational providers with the local economy. They align educational programs with regional business needs, fostering collaboration among members and promoting professional development. Through events and projects, they aim to enhance the region’s educational and economic landscape, ensuring a well-trained workforce for local businesses.
Moms Learn to Code
Moms Learn to Code is a dedicated platform crafted specifically for parents, especially moms, aiming to empower them with coding skills. Founded by Hana, who embarked on her coding journey after the birth of her first child, the organization believes that parents should have equal opportunities to learn coding. They offer tailored courses, such as “Web Development for Moms in 60 Days” and an “SEO Crash Course for Business Owners,” designed to be flexible and accommodating to a parent’s busy schedule. With a hands-on approach, participants work on live projects from the very first lesson, ensuring practical application of the skills acquired. By integrating effective learning strategies with a touch of fun, Moms Learn to Code provides an engaging and enriching environment for parents to dive into the world of coding.
SwissDevJobs
SwissDevJobs is a specialized IT developer portal, conceived with the needs of Software Engineers at its core. Established in 2018 in Zurich by developers seeking a more efficient job board experience, the platform’s mission is to infuse transparency, openness, and diversity into the Swiss IT job market. SwissDevJobs aggregates job postings across Switzerland, presenting them in a structured and informative manner, catering not only to Developers but also to other IT professionals such as SAP and System Admins, Product Managers, QAs, and UX/UI Designers. The platform emphasizes user-friendly job searches, detailed job descriptions highlighting essential aspects like technologies and work methodologies, and direct application processes. Through these initiatives, SwissDevJobs aspires to revolutionize the job search experience for IT professionals in Switzerland.
Women In Tech
Women in Tech® is a global initiative championing diversity, inclusion, and equity in STEAM fields. Aiming to empower 5 million women and girls by 2030, they provide a platform for members to connect and collaborate. The organization hosts events like the Women in Tech Global Summit in Paris and regional awards across MENA, America, and APAC. With chapters in regions including Mongolia and Afghanistan, they strive for a more inclusive technological landscape worldwide.
Girls in Tech Switzerland
Girls in Tech Switzerland is a dynamic community dedicated to supporting women in the tech industry. Comprising individuals ranging from beginners to experts, the organization is on a mission to enhance diversity in the Swiss tech sector. They provide a platform where members can connect, learn, and grow, regardless of their background or expertise. Through a series of events, workshops, and training sessions, participants can acquire new skills and connect with like-minded individuals. Additionally, they emphasize the importance of role models by sharing stories of inspiring women in tech within Switzerland.
Women in Digital Switzerland
Women in Digital Switzerland is a vibrant community dedicated to advancing the careers and creating equal business opportunities for women in the digital domain throughout Switzerland. Established as a networking group, the organization champions diversity and inclusion, offering both online and in-person networking events, learning opportunities, and mentorship sessions. Events are organized across various Swiss cities, including Geneva, Zurich, Lausanne, and Bern, among others. Their mission is to foster an environment where women can excel in digital fields, believing that a diverse and inclusive workforce leads to innovation and better business outcomes.
Swiss Tech Ladies
Swiss TecLadies is an initiative dedicated to nurturing the interest of young girls aged between 12 and 18 in the fields of technology and science. With a mission to “discover your technical side,” TecLadies offers a comprehensive mentoring program that spans 9 months, starting in September 2024. Through this program, participants get the opportunity to delve deep into technical professions, choosing from a wide array of activities such as company tours, workshops, webinars, and more. The mentoring program not only allows participants to meet like-minded individuals but also helps them identify activities and topics that resonate with their interests and passions. By providing a platform for experimentation and exploration, TecLadies aims to bridge the gender gap in the tech and science sectors.
WiMLDS – Women in Machine Learning & Data Science
WiMLDS, or Women in Machine Learning & Data Science, is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to support and promote women and gender minorities in the fields of machine learning and data science. They are dedicated to creating opportunities for members to engage in both technical and professional discussions in a positive and supportive environment. To achieve this, WiMLDS hosts a variety of events, including talks by women and gender minority individuals in data science, technical workshops, networking events, and hackathons. While their primary focus is on women and gender minorities, they maintain an inclusive stance, welcoming anyone who supports their cause, irrespective of gender identity or technical background.
Powercoders
Powercoders is a transformative organization based in Switzerland that focuses on bridging the gap between the increasing demand for ICT specialists and the untapped potential of well-qualified refugees and migrants. Their mission is twofold: to empower these individuals for a promising IT career and to address the looming ICT specialist deficit. Through their comprehensive programs, participants are equipped with essential skills, enabling them to secure internships and eventually, stable employment in the tech sector. Their initiatives have resulted in a remarkable 93% of their participants obtaining internships and 60% securing jobs.
GirlsCodeToo
GirlsCodeToo is a Swiss-based non-profit organization dedicated to fostering a passion for coding among girls and guiding them towards a career in technology. Founded by a diverse team of industry professionals, professors, students, and parents, the organization believes that every girl deserves a chance to be a part of the technological advancements shaping our world. They offer a range of programs, from introductory coding workshops to in-depth sessions on specific coding languages and technologies. Additionally, they organize confidence-boosting workshops, summer camps, and inspiring #TechTuesday talks by industry experts. Collaborating with various partners and universities across Switzerland, GirlsCodeToo aims to close the gender gap in the tech industry and empower girls to be active contributors to the digital future.
Women in Web Switzerland
Women in Web3 Switzerland (WiW3CH) is a non-profit association focused on bolstering the presence of women in the Web3 sector. They aim to enhance the visibility and voice of female experts in this innovative field. WiW3CH organizes pitch days, workshops, and mentorship programs, covering areas like Crypto and DeFi. Through their initiatives, they advocate for greater inclusion and diversity, ensuring women have a significant role in shaping the future of Web3.
Wrapping up
Having witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of initiatives by women++ on participants’ careers, I can vouch for the relevance of the initiatives organized by these organizations in forging a more diverse and inclusive tech workspace. By hosting mentorship, training and networking events, each of these organizations is actively narrowing the gender gap in the Swiss tech industry.
If you’re in tech, whether you’re just starting out, transitioning, or seeking to upskill, check out the opportunities these organizations offer. Dive in, explore their programs, and see how they can help you get to the next level in your career!
Check out this related article:
How HSLU is Tackling the Underrepresentation of Women in Academia by Sponsoring Hack’n’Lead
