ICT shapes our lives: health, mobility, education, communication... If only certain voices are represented in the development of these solutions, we risk creating products that are biased or fail to meet everyone's needs.
Greater diversity means:
- different points of view
- more creative teams
- fairer and more inclusive products
It is not a “nice to have”, it is a necessity.
What are the obstacles today?
The obstacles begin well before the apprenticeship. Stereotypes persist, and IT is still too often perceived as a male domain. The lack of female role models makes identification difficult and prevents young women from projecting themselves into the field. This absence encourages self-censorship, as many young girls continue to think that it is not for them. As a result, too few applications from females reach companies and diversity struggles to take hold.
What we do at Liip
We don't claim to have a miracle solution, but we are working on it. In concrete terms:
- Future Day: every year, we open our doors to show young girls what a career in IT really looks like. The idea is to break down stereotypes, generate enthusiasm, and spark interest.
- MINT study: We are participating in this research project to identify what attracts (or deters) female talent. The results? The importance of flexibility, visible female role models, inclusive language and good feedback. These are all points that we incorporate into our culture and our support.
- Giving our apprentices a voice: their testimonials show that you can love coding AND not conform to stereotypes.
- Promoting our values: inclusion, autonomy, and collaboration are at the heart of our culture.
And above all, showing daily that there is no “typical profile” for success in ICT.
What remains difficult
Despite our efforts, the proportion of girls in our ICT apprenticeships remains low. As is the case everywhere else in the industry. And that's normal: changing decades of stereotypes and habits takes time. But that's no reason to give up.
What now?
If you are a young woman who is hesitating, take the plunge! IT is not just about lines of code, it is a profession that involves creativity, collaboration and impact. And if you are a company, ask yourself what you can change to attract more diversity. Every gesture counts.
At Liip, we will continue to lead the way, one apprenticeship at a time. Because a more inclusive ICT industry is a better ICT industry.