International Women’s Day, celebrated on March 8th, highlights the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. It also serves as a call to action for accelerating progress toward gender equality. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2024, at the current rate, full gender parity will not be reached until 2158.

This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action,’ underscores the urgency of addressing the barriers and biases women continue to face in both personal and professional spheres. It serves as a global call to implement strategies, resources, and initiatives that actively support women’s advancement and drive meaningful change.

Ozlem Merhametsiz, Europe Marketing Manager at Legrand, shares her perspective on the industry’s ongoing gender challenges and the need for actionable change:

“The data center industry has been male dominated for too long, but real change comes from actions, not just words. To close the gender gap, we need to hire, support, and promote women—because the future of technology belongs to those who push boundaries. It’s time to accelerate change and ensure that every voice has a place at the table.”

Women in Data Centers: A Persistent Challenge

Historically, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields have been predominantly male, and the data center industry is no exception. Women still comprise only a small percentage of the workforce, with Uptime Institute research analyst Jacqueline Davis likening the industry to “short-staffed boys’ clubs.” According to the 2023 Uptime Institute Global Data Center Survey, women constitute approximately 8% of the data center workforce, a figure that has remained largely unchanged since 2018.

This percentage is notably lower than in other traditionally male-dominated industries such as construction, mining, and manufacturing. While efforts to increase female representation in data centers have been ongoing, significant progress has yet to be realized.

A recent Tech Workplace and Culture Survey from ISACA, an international professional association focused on IT governance, further highlights the gender diversity gap in IT. Of the 7,726 IT professionals surveyed, 87% agreed that the industry lacks gender diversity. Despite this, only 41% of businesses have initiatives in place to recruit more women.

When asked why women remain underrepresented in tech roles:

• 43% of female respondents—more than double the percentage of men (21%)—cited the lack of female role models and leaders.
• 43% of women also reported experiencing pay inequality, compared to just 15% of men who acknowledged the issue. 

Maria Koslunova, Director of Privacy and Data Protection at Turner & Townsend, emphasizes in an ISACA blog the crucial role of mentors and sponsors in helping women advance in the technology workforce.

“An important topic that is often forgotten is sponsors," Koslunova said. "You can have a mentor in your organization or outside your organization, but you do need a sponsor to help pave your way forward. So my advice to anyone starting in the industry is to find mentors and sponsors that can help guide your progression. Find people that have careers that inspire you and learn from them."

Legrand’s Commitment to Gender Diversity

As the industry strives for change, companies like Legrand are leading the way with comprehensive diversity initiatives designed to create a more inclusive workforce.

Legrand is committed to advancing gender diversity and ensuring an equitable environment where women can thrive. The company has set a goal to achieve gender parity by 2030, with women holding at least one-third of key positions. To support this, Legrand actively promotes career development opportunities for women and implements policies to encourage balanced representation in leadership roles.

Rita Lorenco, Critical Power Sales Manager at Legrand, highlights the broader significance of empowering women:

"Empowering women is not only a fundamental right, but also a pathway to a stronger, more innovative, and inclusive future for all."

A key initiative in this effort is elle@legrand. Established in 2013, elle@legrand is an internal network open to both men and women, designed to promote equal opportunities and lead the way in fostering gender balance within the company. Today, the network is active in over 25 countries, reinforcing Legrand’s commitment to creating an inclusive and empowering workplace for women.

Additionally, the company’s diversity and inclusion initiatives focus on:

• Breaking barriers for women in traditionally male-dominated sectors.
• Reinforcing equal pay policies.
• Creating a workplace culture that empowers and supports women.

Through these efforts, Legrand is helping to shape a more diverse and inclusive professional landscape. 

A Call to Action for the Data Center Industry

International Women’s Day highlights the need for continuous dedication to advancing gender diversity in the data center industry. By valuing and integrating the unique skills and insights of women, the sector can foster innovation and drive sustained growth.

As more businesses commit to breaking stereotypes, fostering inclusive cultures, and championing diversity, they will not only reshape the workforce but also redefine industry norms. The time for action is now. By accelerating action today, we pave the way for a more inclusive and dynamic industry tomorrow.