Gender Representation Perspectives from Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Employees in Canadian Higher Education

The underrepresentation of women in ICT hinders the ethos of any social innovation or change, limiting the perspectives for addressing diverse societal challenges and technological advancement. Previous research revealed women are underrepresented in the ICT industry due primarily to societal reforms, lack of foundational skills, and insufficient government initiatives or policies supporting women to pursue or sustain careers in ICT. This research topic focuses on the gender representation of women in ICT to understand the perceptions of ICT employees on gender representation at a small, private university in Canada. I have used qualitative survey data and action research design to gather data from employees in a Canadian higher education institution. Key findings from content analysis elucidate the marginalized representation of women in the ICT department, compounded with a consensus on to lack of mentorship for women in leadership roles within the organization. Findings underscored issues of gender disparity of women in ICT within an educational institution.