Women in Georgia’s IT Sector: A Growing Presence Amid Persistent Gaps

Georgia’s IT sector is one of the country’s fastest-growing economic fields, but its rapid expansion has not been accompanied by full gender inclusion. By 2023, women accounted for only 24% of all IT professionals. This marks a significant increase from 16% in 2021, yet the disparity remains notable. The reasons behind it—ranging from pay gaps to structural barriers—require closer examination.

In terms of compensation, the progress is visible but insufficient. In the third quarter of 2024, the average monthly salary for men in IT was 7,471 GEL, while women earned 6,026 GEL—approximately 81% of men’s earnings. In 2019, this ratio stood at just 58%. Despite the improvement, the gap indicates that women are underrepresented in high-paying or technical roles and may face slower career advancement.

One fundamental issue is sectoral concentration. In 2023, 70% of IT professionals in Georgia were working in software development—the highest-paid IT sub-sector, yet still predominantly male. Sector experts note that the underrepresentation of women in these roles may not be due to a lack of skills, but rather due to insufficient early exposure, educational stereotypes, or barriers encountered along professional pathways.

In recent years, several initiatives have been introduced to attract women into IT. These include programs aimed at school-age girls, coding camps, mentorship schemes, and dedicated scholarships. However, the current scale of these efforts remains limited, and broader, more sustained support is needed to create a lasting impact.

Increasing women’s participation in IT is not only a matter of equity—it is a strategic imperative for Georgia’s economic development. In a labor market facing shortages of qualified professionals, reducing gender barriers could become a critical strategy for ensuring sustainable growth and innovation.

Find the BTU’s research report on IT sector trends here.