The future of the technology industry could be based on a simple yet compelling shift: giving women the opportunity to reskill into technical roles—earning higher incomes as well as massive economic dividends.
According to the Women in Tech: How Skills and Talent Diversity Drive Business Success study by RMIT Online and Deloitte Access Economics, women who transition into tech roles can earn an additional $31,100 per year, a 31% salary jump. Beyond individual paychecks, this shift could inject $4.3 billion into the economy, reshaping the workforce and addressing one of tech’s most persistent issues: a widening skills gap.
The business case
The benefits of reskilling women also go beyond equal pay. Due to higher productivity, reskilled workers generate an extra $16,400 in revenue per employee, research suggests. That would be a $278,700 annual windfall for a business with 50 reskilled workers—that could fund new projects, expansion, or innovation. Larger firms can gain much more, and by adding more women to the technology sector, they could gain an extra $1.8 million annually.
These statistics depict an undeniable fact: closing tech’s gender gap isn’t just about equity—it’s about smart business. Nevertheless, even with these obvious advantages, women remain underrepresented in the industry. While they make up 44% of Australia’s larger workforce, they hold only 30% of the industry’s jobs.
Tech’s looming talent crisis
Australia’s digital skills shortage is at breaking point. Over a third of companies mentioned a lack of skills in emerging fields like generative AI and digital transformation, important areas that are revolutionizing industries at breakneck speed. Australia will need 1.3 million tech professionals by 2030, but current estimates fall short by 100,000 workers—a 10% deficit that could strangle innovation.
This is where reskilling women into technology can be revolutionary. The report refers to 661,300 women in Australiawhose existing skills—whether administrative, educational, or health-related—make them perfect tech candidates. With special training, these women can be reskilled into the industry in just six months, offering a quick-fix solution to a serious workforce problem.
Diversity as a catalyst
The advantages of a diverse workforce have been universally validated, and the research confirms so. In companies surveyed, 59% experienced improved team performance and morale, and 58% experienced greater creativity—both obvious results of more women in technology. More than half also observed higher staff quality and enhanced customer satisfaction, demonstrating that diversity is not only a victory within—it enhances the competitive edge of a company.
Nevertheless, there are obstacles. A whopping 67% of business leaders believe the tech sector can and should improve in this regard, listing cultural stereotypes and a lack of visible role models as the main obstacles. Simultaneously, 68% hope the government will step in, suggesting training grants, tax incentives, and policy changes to facilitate it more easily.
Even with setbacks, there is momentum. 45% of tech CEOs report they provide reskilling programs, and 44% are working on actively improving representation. But to ramp up these efforts will require more than good intentions—it requires a coordinated effort from businesses, education providers, and policymakers.
Nic Cola, CEO of RMIT Online, sees this as a defining moment: “With over 600,000 women ready to transition into tech, we’re sitting on a goldmine of talent. But unlocking it will take more than intent—it requires collective action.”
Deloitte Access Economics’ Rhiannon Yetsenga highlights the economic interest: “Generative AI and new technologies could remake Australia’s place in the world—but only if we can support them with the right workforce. Reskilling women is not just about filling job gaps; it’s about driving growth and innovation.”
The report makes one thing clear: Tech’s biggest challenge might only require $31,100 to solve—but the ROI is far higher.The sector has the potential, the expertise, and the evidence-based case to act. Now, it’s a matter of whether or not leaders will take action.
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What if solving tech’s biggest problem only costs $31,100? The key to unlocking millions might be simpler than you think. News, women in tech Dynamic Business