The landscape of IT leadership has undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades, and nowhere is this more evident than in women's journey from operational roles in data centres to executive positions in boardrooms. This evolution is particularly pronounced within the banking sector, where technology integration has revolutionized traditional banking operations and customer interactions. As someone who has navigated the complexities of IT leadership for over 30 years, I have witnessed firsthand the barriers women have broken and the ceilings they are currently challenging. This article chronicles this journey, highlighting the progress made, the remaining challenges, and the future trends that will shape the next generation of women leaders in IT.
The Early Days: Operational Roles in IT
In the early days of IT, the field was predominantly male-dominated, with women often relegated to operational roles within data centres. These roles, though critical, were seen as behind-the-scenes positions with limited visibility and influence over strategic decision-making. Women were tasked with maintaining servers, managing databases, and ensuring the smooth operation of IT infrastructure. While these roles provided a solid technical foundation, they offered limited opportunities for advancement into leadership positions.
Despite these challenges, many women excelled in these operational roles, demonstrating exceptional technical understanding and problem-solving abilities. This expertise laid the groundwork for future opportunities as technology's increasing importance in business operations highlighted the need for diverse perspectives and skill sets in IT leadership.