The male-female distribution in Finance, Risk, Data and IT is still skewed. In many technical studies, men are overrepresented and the proportion of female graduates remains low. Yet we see movement: multidisciplinary studies such as Artificial Intelligence and Finance are attracting more and more women. This presents opportunities for organisations that take diversity and inclusion seriously.
Let's face it: the male-female ratio in technical and finance fields is still far from balanced. In courses such as Computer Science, Technical Informatics and ICT, men are still overrepresented, with a share of more than 80%. That means companies looking for talent in tech and data positions face a limited pond - and often a lack of diversity. In fact, only about 850 students who graduate from this group each year are women.
But there is movement. In programs such as Artificial Intelligence and Finance, the proportion of female students is around 30%. Various sources indicate that there is a shift in the proportion of female students within certain engineering and finance programs. While the share of women in traditional IT and computer science studies remains relatively low, the percentage is higher in studies such as Artificial Intelligence (KI) and Finance. One possible explanation is the multidisciplinary nature of these programs, which combine insights from technology, psychology, philosophy, logic and strategy, making them more attractive to a wider range of students, including women.
According to data from OCW in Figures, the proportion of female Computer Science graduates in the Netherlands is only 19.7%, compared to an EU average of 23%. At the same time, Utrecht University stresses that the bachelor's in Artificial Intelligence takes a broad, interdisciplinary approach by combining technology with social and cognitive sciences. This may contribute to a higher proportion of female students, as previous research shows that women are more likely to choose programs with social and strategic relevance, as seen in the Studiekeuze123 dashboard.
Diversity within teams has long since ceased to be a matter of "nice to have. It is a prerequisite for companies that want to innovate, move faster and stay ahead of the competition. Research by McKinsey shows that diverse teams perform better, think more creatively and reach thoughtful decisions faster.
For industries such as finance, risk and IT, where complex analysis and strategic insight are crucial, a mix of perspectives can make the difference between mediocrity and progress (Cloverpop). Moreover, the new generation of employees is increasingly looking for employers who take diversity and inclusion seriously. By actively pursuing this, you not only attract more female talent, but also the most forward-thinking male candidates.
If you really want to make a difference, you not only need to understand the causes, but also what you can do as a company to effect change. The gender gap in Finance, Risk, Data and IT is not a given. It is a challenge that companies can actively address with the right strategies.
Why women are less likely to choose these sectors:
The gender gap is not a given, but a challenge that organizations can actively address. With visible role models, inclusive job postings and flexible work cultures, you make the difference. Diversity not only strengthens innovation and performance, but also makes you more attractive to the best talent of tomorrow.