The Data Speaks: Women in Information Management

As we celebrate Women's History Month, we're examining the progress and persistent challenges for women in information management while inviting you to join our upcoming webinar on thriving in an AI-driven workplace.

Breaking Barriers: Women in Tech Leadership

When I asked my 6-year-old daughter recently if women can lead in technology, her answer comes without hesitation: "Yes." This confidence, unfortunately, defies the current statistics:

• Women make up only 29% of employees in STEM worldwide. (World Bank)
• Less than 20% of CIOs at Fortune 500 companies are women. (Revolent)
• In tech, only 52 women are promoted to manager for every 100 men. (McKinsey)
• Half of women who enter tech careers drop out by age 35. (Accenture)

These statistics highlight a troubling reality: women are often forced out before having the chance to lead. But to a young girl with a role model in tech leadership, these barriers seem conquerable.

What the Data Reveals: AIIM's 2024 Research

In August 2024, the Women in Information Management (WIIM) group met to review the results of the 2024 AIIM State of the Intelligent Information Management Industry survey, which provided valuable insights into the current state of gender equity in our field.

The survey data shows both progress and persistent challenges:

• Job Titles: Women are more likely to hold Records Manager and Information Governance Manager roles, while men have higher representation in more technical positions like Enterprise Content Manager, Information Manager, and IT Director.
• Seniority: The data shows that information management practitioners are increasingly taking senior roles, with a 7% increase in respondents with senior executive roles. However, when broken down by gender, men still hold slightly more C-suite positions (4% men vs. 3% women) and Director/Vice President roles (8% men vs. 7% women). 
• Decision-Making Authority: Refreshingly, decision-making authority is nearly equal between genders with 65% of respondents reporting shared involvement or primary decision-making authority in purchasing information management systems. 
• Compensation: Perhaps most tellingly, the salary distributions show significant gaps. 40% of women earn in the $50,000-$100,000 range compared to 26% of men, while men have higher representation in the $150,001-$250,000 bracket (22% men vs. 17% women) and $250,001-$500,000 range (6% men vs. 2% women).

So what can we do as women in information management and allies to address these statistics?

The Power of Role Models and Champions

The importance of role models cannot be overstated. Seeing women succeed in technology leadership positions demonstrates to young girls and women that these careers are attainable. When we celebrate trailblazing leaders in our community, we create visible examples that others can emulate and learn from.

Success in technology leadership doesn't come from qualifications alone. It requires champions and support networks that help open doors and provide grounding during challenging times.

Being a champion takes more than a LinkedIn endorsement; it requires proactive effort to elevate other women through:

• Providing career advice
• Recommending peers for job opportunities
• Creating new opportunities for women in tech
• Promoting advancement into leadership positions

Thriving in an AI World: Transforming Careers and Skills

In addition to role models and champions, women also need education and training to enhance their skills. To continue supporting women in technology, Women in Information Management (WIIM), an AIIM special interest group, is hosting a webinar "Thriving in an AI World: Transforming Careers and Skills" on March 26, 2025 at 2:00-3:00 p.m. ET. Register today.

In this insightful session, Heidi Araya will explore how Artificial Intelligence is changing the job market and transforming career landscapes in 2025 and beyond. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the latest AI trends reshaping employment and leave equipped with effective strategies to adapt to these changes.

Heidi is a global consultant, keynote speaker, and patented inventor with over two decades of experience dedicated to driving multimillion-dollar business improvements using a people-first approach. After 30 years in large enterprises, she's now running her own AI Agency, empowering solopreneurs, startups, and small businesses to unlock their potential in the AI era.

Conclusion: Why Diversity in Tech Leadership Matters

Diversity in technology leadership isn't just a moral imperative – it's good for business and society. Research has shown that more diverse leadership:

• Ensures technologies like AI work equitably for everyone
• Leads to higher company profits
• Results in greater social responsibility
• Creates safer, better customer experiences

The data from AIIM's 2024 State of the Practice survey highlights both progress and persistent challenges. While we've made strides in certain areas, significant disparities remain in compensation, senior leadership roles, and technical position distribution. These findings represent not just problems to solve, but opportunities for meaningful change.

We need more women in CIO, CEO, CTO, CDO, and founder roles. For those aiming for technology leadership positions, communities like AIIM's Women in Information Management group can help by providing inspirational role models, networks of champions, and support systems for personal wellbeing.

As we move forward, each of us has a role to play in this transformation—whether by mentoring others, recommending peers for opportunities, or advocating for more inclusive policies. Together, we can build a profession where women's leadership in information management is the norm rather than the exception.