Role of CIOs in promoting gender equality in the business world

In this fast-running business world, organizations have been working and striving to run in parallel with
technology and create a thriving environment for their employees. Each company, especially, delegates
the position of Chief Information Officers (CIO), who lead the charge of the strategic implementation of
Information and Computer Technologies and create a diverse culture. Among the several aspects of this
culture, Gender Equality turns out to be one of the critical needs in this landscape. CIOs uniquely have
been working on the same and promoting gender equality within their organizations.

Establishing ‘Inclusivity’ for Gender Equality

When it comes to CIOs, dealing with gender equality, they have a major influence in a company. One of
the primary ways CIOs contribute is by fostering an all-embracing work culture in the organization. CIOs
set the tone for the entire organization by promoting a respectful place where employees feel free to
share their opinions, irrespective of facing gender discrimination. These mindful practices help bring
inclusivity to the workplace.

Introducing Technologies for Acquisition

CIOs should come up with technologies that justify the hiring process to ensure that there are equal
opportunities for female employees. They can introduce software like ATS that helps shortlist candidates
to avoid potential discrimination by ignoring characteristics like race, gender and age. Seeking out them
with an unbiased approach and providing equal opportunities to advance their career growth excites
women to work to achieve the same. This helps in breaking the barriers to women's employment and
increases the percentage of women in the workplace.

Using External Resources to Empower Employees

Apart from all the internal resources, CIOs can empower women in the Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields to secure their careers and advancements. CIOs collaborate
with educational institutions or community groups to encourage the next generation of female talents in
the STEM world and beyond.

Mentorship & Sponsorship

There are multiple departments in a company connected with CIOs, which they can use to surpass
modules in which the Team Leaders can mentor their female talents. This provides advice, guidance, and
support for women in advancing their careers and professional development by providing them with
multiple opportunities within the organizations.

CIOs can roll out policies and come up with technologies that promote gender equality at all levels,
including organizational and social ones. Whether engaging with industry experts or policymakers or
working on industrial initiatives, they should work to drive the change – the change to bring quality and
create an inclusive environment.

Driving Gender Equality is not solely beneficial for the societal cause but also for the organizations since
inclusive organizations have better growth in terms of productivity and innovation. By fostering gender
equality, CIOs ensure that their organizations exist among their competitors in this business world.

In Gist
CIOs can play a vital role in promoting Gender Equality in the business world by using their power of
influence in policy-making and inclusion initiatives. By stimulating advanced technologies that can
encourage the participation of women, CIOs can become assets in the business world. Hence, CIOs can
help create workplaces where all employees can work and improve themselves, irrespective of gender.