Diversity in Tech (in the Middle East)
Tags: diversity, softwaredevelopment, womenintech, middleeast
Published: 2024-03-27 11:20:57



Diversity refers to the variety of human experiences, backgrounds, and characteristics that make us unique. The difference is our wealth. The more different people there are in the team, the more different perspectives there will be.

Diversity has four main types of dimensions:

- Gender:
 Women are still significantly underrepresented in tech, though there are initiatives to increase their participation.

- Race and Ethnicity: 
Tech has a history of being dominated by certain racial and ethnic groups. Diversity efforts aim to create a more inclusive environment for everyone.

- Disability:
 Having employees with disabilities brings valuable perspectives and ensures technology is accessible to everyone.


This article’s subject is “The tech-business diversity in the Middle East”. We are going to talk about:

- Difference between Western tech-business
- The endless boys' clubs
- Empowering women in tech
- Inequality in salary and job titles


As I said, diversity in tech isn't just about fairness, it's about building a stronger industry. More diversity causes better decision-making, efficient innovation, and wise business growth. A wider range of perspectives leads to more creative solutions and a stronger ability to identify potential problems. Of course, rich perspectives are provided through the diverse project teams.

## Difference between Western tech-business

The difference between the Western Middle East tech business is obvious. Every year companies in the US spend around $8 billion on DEI (Diversity, equity, and inclusion) efforts, according to research by the consulting firm McKinsey. On the other hand, in the Middle East, this situation is too different. The diversity awareness still is not developed enough, causing a lack of creativity and growing the tech industry. Also, there needs to be research on diversity.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/0ceu8h1hxi8x3e7p21nw.jpg)

## The endless boys' clubs

There is a male-oriented work environment just like the military. Single type people, usually look like the same. There is no work-life balance. Risky work environment. Such as; unexpected project updates, customer requirements, overtime without payment, low salaries, mobbing ... etc.
Also, socializing and networking have to be according to men's rules. The software development tasks are sometimes distributed during the cigarette break during the shift or beer meeting after the shift. After work, they meet at soccer games. They call them “Halı Saha” in Turkish.  Mostly no female employees are involved in this kind of meeting. Because chat topics are so menly and being around this kind of conservation is so disturbing for a woman.  Besides, the most common happy hour activity is the small soccer games. The small tournaments are organized with male employees. Guess what! There is no female player!

It's like a boys' club which consists of men and that  "boys clubs" never ends ...  Even if you work for a small start-up or wisely big tech company, it doesn't matter. The boys' clubs are always there.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/ys4xnm7ccnjom32isovw.jpg)

## Inequality in salary and job titles

A critical barrier to a truly thriving workplace exists unequal pay and unfair job titles. The current system often fails to compensate individuals based on merit and experience.  Men, particularly those who benefit from nepotism, are demonstrably more likely to receive higher salaries and more senior titles. This disadvantage disproportionately affects women, people of color, and other marginalized identities, who are forced to work harder for less recognition and financial reward.
The salaries are not equal or fair. If you are a man (especially a nepotism works for you) you are paid better.  If you are not a cis man in this area you have to work harder and gain less. Also, you shouldn't talk about this.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/145ochr7j8dbf8pz080o.jpg)

## Empowering women in tech

The tech industry thrives on innovation, and that requires a diversity of minds. Empowering women in tech isn't just about fairness, it's about unlocking the full potential of the future. By supporting women in pursuing tech careers and fostering inclusive workplaces, we can create a stronger, more groundbreaking industry for everyone. For this, women in STEM communities are so important. Because women in tech provide the first step toward diversity.