Women’s Perspective on the IT Market in Poland

Tom Potanski

Last updated on March 14, 2024 | 11 min read

IT marketPoland

The landscape of the Polish information technology (IT) market has been evolving rapidly, and one influential aspect of this evolution is the increasing presence and influence of women. Traditionally, the IT sector has been male-dominated, but women are breaking barriers and making significant contributions. In this article, we explore the impact of women on the Polish IT market, shedding light on their experiences, challenges, and contributions.

The evolving role of women in the Polish IT market is not merely a statistical shift; it represents a broader societal transformation where diversity is recognized as a motivation for progress. Women are not just entering the industry; they are influencing its direction, contributing diverse perspectives, and playing key roles in decision-making processes.

Changing stereotypes

Historically, the IT industry has been perceived as a male-centric field, but the dynamics are shifting as more women enter this sector. Women are increasingly pursuing education and careers in computer science, software development, data analysis, and other IT-related fields. The change is evident in the growing number of female professionals working in various roles within the industry. According to the “Kobiety w IT 2023” report by No Fluff Jobs, one in five female IT specialists in Poland is engaged in programming across different categories. Moreover, according to the same report, 15% of the female workforce specializes in testing and every tenth in project management.

In recent years, Poland has witnessed a remarkable wave in the growth of startups, paralleled by a significant increase in the participation of women in the workforce. The startup ecosystem in Poland has become increasingly dynamic and vibrant. What makes this trend particularly noteworthy is the engagement of female professionals within these startups and the presence of female-led companies and startups. Women are not only contributing to the success of these startups but are also founding and leading them.

This bond between the growth of startups and the increasing representation of women in the workforce signals a promising era of diversity, innovation, and economic dynamism for Poland. As reported by Dealroom, there were around 123 startups founded by women in Poland in 2022, and the first of such startups emerged in 2012. As these startups continue to thrive, they serve as a source of talent, providing women with opportunities to contribute their skills and expertise to the forefront of the country’s business efforts.

As per the 2021 Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs, women in Poland ranked 21st worldwide and secured the top position in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region. Despite this, there remains a notable contrast, with InnovationsLab’s report indicating that only around 25% of startups in Poland are founded by women.

Challenges faced by women in the IT industry

As discussed, despite the positive changes, women in the Polish IT market still face certain challenges. Gender stereotypes, unconscious biases, and the absence of representation at leadership levels remain an ongoing struggle. These hurdles can create a discouraging atmosphere, making it critical to implement comprehensive diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Efforts to challenge gender stereotypes involve promoting positive role models and showcasing the diverse accomplishments of women in tech. Encouraging mentorship programs that connect aspiring female professionals with experienced industry leaders can provide valuable guidance and support, assisting in their journey to break through the glass ceiling.

Unconscious biases within hiring processes and workplace interactions pose additional challenges. Companies are recognizing the need for inclusive recruitment practices and similar evaluation criteria to ensure equal opportunities for all. Workshops and training sessions on unconscious bias awareness contribute to fostering a more equitable work environment.

Moreover, addressing the lack of representation at leadership levels requires intentional efforts to create pathways for women to reach leadership roles. Organizations can implement mentorship programs, leadership development initiatives, and policies that promote gender diversity at all hierarchical levels.

Despite the existing challenges, the resilience and determination of women in the Polish IT industry are driving positive change. By actively addressing these issues and fostering an environment that values diversity, the industry can continue its journey toward greater inclusivity and equal opportunities for all professionals.

Factors shaping women’s perspective on the Polish IT market

Education and skills

The commitment to education and skill development is evident in the increasing enrollment of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs across various universities and training institutions. Furthermore, initiatives and mentorship programs specifically designed for women in tech are emerging, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

Industry partnerships with educational institutions also have become more prevalent, creating opportunities for hands-on experience and practical learning. These collaborations bridge the gap between academia and industry and offer women in Poland valuable insights and networking opportunities.

Moreover, the focus on education goes beyond traditional academic settings. Online platforms and workshops tailored to women in tech provide flexible learning options, enabling them to enhance their skills while balancing other commitments. This multifaceted approach ensures that women in Poland have diverse resources to acquire knowledge and stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the tech landscape.

Naturally, as a result of these concerted efforts, the landscape is gradually changing, with more women entering the tech industry, taking leadership roles, and making significant contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship. The ongoing commitment to education and skill development is pivotal in shaping a more inclusive and dynamic tech ecosystem in Poland.

Initiatives and support networks

In response to the need for greater diversity and inclusion, a variety of initiatives and support networks have sprouted up to empower women within the Polish IT sector. These programs often extend beyond traditional mentorship, incorporating workshops, seminars, and skill-building sessions tailored to the specific challenges faced by women in the tech industry.

Networking events serve as essential components of these initiatives, providing platforms for women to connect with peers, industry professionals, and potential mentors. These gatherings facilitate knowledge exchange and create opportunities for collaboration and career advancement.

Furthermore, the emergence of online communities dedicated to women in tech has expanded the reach of support networks. Social media groups, forums, and virtual meetups enable women to share experiences, seek advice, and celebrate each other’s achievements, fostering a sense of solidarity and empowerment.

Government and industry partnerships have also played a role in supporting these initiatives. Collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors aim to provide resources, funding, and advocacy to enhance the impact of programs that promote gender diversity and inclusion in the IT sector.

Thus, by nurturing a sense of community and providing targeted support, these initiatives contribute significantly to breaking down barriers and creating an environment where women in the Polish IT market can thrive both personally and professionally.

Inspiring success stories

Celebrating the achievements of women in the Polish IT market is essential for showcasing the diversity of talent and expertise that exists within the industry. Success stories often extend beyond professional accomplishments, shedding light on the resilience, innovation, and leadership demonstrated by women in various IT roles.

These narratives provide bright examples of how overcoming challenges can lead to impactful contributions and groundbreaking advancements. By sharing these success stories through conferences, industry publications, and online platforms, the visibility of accomplished women in tech is heightened, helping to overcome stereotypes and biases.

Additionally, recognizing and honoring these success stories fosters a positive and aspirational environment for women considering or already pursuing careers in IT. It sends a powerful message that gender should not be a limiting factor in achieving excellence and making significant contributions to the tech sector.

Encouraging mentorship programs that connect successful women with those starting their careers is another way to strengthen the impact of these success stories. These mentorship relationships provide valuable guidance, advice, and a personalized support system, contributing to the continued growth and success of women in the Polish IT market.

In essence, celebrating success stories acknowledges individual accomplishments and plays a pivotal role in shaping a culture that values and promotes the diverse talents of women in the ever-evolving field of IT.

The future

Looking ahead, the future of the Polish IT market holds tremendous potential for positive transformation. To harness this potential, ongoing efforts to prioritize diversity and inclusion are critical. Organizations within the industry should actively implement strategies to ensure women’s integration into workplace culture and practices.

Addressing gender biases is a foundational step in creating an inclusive environment. This requires fostering awareness, conducting regular training, and implementing policies that mitigate unconscious biases in hiring, promotions, and day-to-day interactions. By promoting fairness and equal treatment culture, organizations can cultivate an atmosphere where all individuals, regardless of gender, feel valued and motivated.

Furthermore, organizations should actively support work-life balance initiatives, flexible schedules, and family-friendly policies. These measures contribute to the well-being of employees and help break down traditional gender roles, creating an environment where women can flourish both personally and professionally.

In essence, as the Polish IT market continues its way of growth and innovation, prioritizing diversity and inclusion will be fundamental to unlocking the full potential of the workforce. By fostering a culture of equality, organizations can contribute to a more vibrant, innovative, and sustainable future for the industry.

Final notes

The role of women in the Polish IT market is changing, with more women contributing to and shaping the industry. Despite challenges, there is a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion in fostering innovation and success. By continuing to empower and support women in the IT sector, Poland can build a more dynamic and thriving industry for the future.