When Diversity Efforts Fail: Why Tech Still Struggles with Inclusion

-
Once upon a time, a tech company proudly announced its bold diversity initiative. Press releases were written, social media celebrated, and executives patted themselves on the back. Fast forward a year: the company’s diversity numbers barely changed, women and minorities still felt unheard, and the program quietly faded into obscurity.

Sound familiar? It should—because it happens all the time.

Why Do Diversity Efforts Fail?

1. They’re Just PR Stunts
Some companies launch flashy diversity campaigns that look great in a LinkedIn post but lack real commitment. If the goal is optics rather than impact, it’s doomed from the start.


2. One-Off Trainings Don’t Change Culture
A single “unconscious bias” workshop won’t undo decades of systemic issues. Without long-term action, employees nod along, check a box, and return to business as usual.


3. Diversity ≠ Inclusion
Hiring diverse talent is one thing. Making sure they’re heard, valued, and stay is another. If your culture isn’t inclusive, retention suffers.


4. Leaders Don’t Actually Care (or Understand)
If leadership isn’t invested, nothing changes. “Support from the top” isn’t just a phrase—it’s the difference between progress and performative nonsense.


5. It’s Always Someone Else’s Problem
Many companies believe diversity is HR’s job. Spoiler: it’s everyone’s job. If only one department cares, don’t expect results.



So, What Can Be Done?

Ditch the Lip Service. Invest in mentorship programs, sponsorship opportunities, and real accountability.

Measure Progress Like You Mean It. Track diversity metrics beyond hiring. Pay gaps, promotion rates, and retention matter.

Create Safe Spaces. Listen to underrepresented voices—and act on what they say.

Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable. Change isn’t easy, but it’s necessary. Have the tough conversations.

Make Leaders Responsible. Tie diversity goals to executive bonuses. Watch how fast priorities shift.


Final Thought: Do Better, Tech.

Diversity in tech isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity. Yet, time and again, the industry stumbles. The good news? Failure isn’t final. With real commitment, the cycle can be broken.

But let’s be honest: We’ve run out of excuses.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Why Women Are Still Locked Out of Tech Investing and Innovation.

-
Image
Ah, the tech industry—home to billion-dollar ideas, disruptive innovation, and... an almost comical lack of women in positions of power. Let’s talk numbers (don’t worry, we’ll keep it fun).  Only 13% of venture capital (VC) decision-makers are women.  That means a tiny fraction of the people handing out millions to the next big thing are female.  Meanwhile, less than 20% of tech startups are founded by women, and only 28% of tech leadership roles are held by women. So, where are the women?  Are they hiding?  Have they all started an underground, women-only Silicon Valley where the WiFi is always strong, and no one interrupts them in meetings? (If so, sign me up.) The VC Gender Gap: Who Holds the Purse Strings? Picture this: You’re a brilliant female founder with an idea that could revolutionise AI, blockchain, or self-heating coffee mugs (a real need, by the way).  You step into a room full of investors—90% of whom are men in Patagonia vests—and...
Read more

Got Laid Off? Here’s How to Get Free Training & Land a Job in Tech

-
Image
Losing a job can feel like the end of the road—but in reality, it can be a new beginning, especially in tech. If you’ve been laid off, this is your chance to gain in-demand skills, pivot into a better role, and take advantage of free training programs designed to get more women into DeepTech. Why Tech? Why Now? The tech industry, especially fields like AI, cybersecurity, and blockchain, desperately needs skilled professionals —and women are massively underrepresented. Many companies and organizations now offer free training and scholarships to help women break into these high-paying careers. If you’ve been laid off, don’t panic—pivot. Here’s how: Step 1: Get Free Training & Certifications You don’t need a computer science degree to land a tech job. Many platforms offer free or low-cost training to help you upskill quickly. 🔹 AI & Cloud Computing Microsoft AI Skills Challenge – Free AI, cloud, and cybersecurity courses 🔗 Learn more AWS Cloud Practitio...
Read more

Women in Deep Tech - Potential

-
Image
The future of deeptech—quantum computing, AI hardware, biotech, Web3—is being built right now. But there’s a problem: women are severely underrepresented in these fields. 💡 Imagine if we could tap into the full potential of diverse minds in deeptech innovation. How many breakthroughs are we missing out on? That’s why I started TechSheThink—to spotlight the incredible women pushing the boundaries of deeptech and to create a space where more women enter, lead, and shape the future of technology. This isn’t just about diversity—it’s about unlocking the next wave of groundbreaking innovations. I’d love to hear from you: ➡️ Who are the female pioneers in deeptech that inspire you? ➡️ What challenges do women in deeptech face that we should talk more about? #TechSheThink #WomenInTech #Deeptech #Innovation #AI #QuantumComputing #Biotech
Read more