Women in digital administration: perspectives, opportunities and new role models

The digitisation of government and administration is one of the key tasks for the future of our time. To ensure that digital services really work for everyone, a diverse range of perspectives is needed in development, management and implementation. Pauline Meimberg from #SheTransformsIT explains why women in particular play a crucial role in this – and how we can specifically attract them to administrative digitisation – in our latest news blog.

Ms Meimberg, what new opportunities and perspectives can women bring to the digitalisation of cities and public authorities?

"Women bring different perspectives, experiences and problem-solving approaches to digitalisation processes. This is particularly crucial when it comes to the digitalisation of administration and municipal services, because these services have to work for society as a whole. If women are more involved in the development of digital services, there is a greater chance that solutions will be designed to be more user-oriented, inclusive and suitable for everyday use. Issues such as accessibility, the social impact of technologies and the practical usability of digital services will then be given greater consideration. This diversity is a real innovation factor for a sustainable smart city and modern administration."

Do we need new job profiles or a new understanding of the role of women in IT in the public sector?

"The digitisation of administration and local government is already changing the requirements for IT and digital professions in the public sector. In addition to traditional IT profiles, there is an increasing need for people who can bring together administration, technology and user perspectives, for example in roles such as product management for digital administrative services, data management, IT project management or service design. This is where there is a great opportunity for women: these profiles combine technical understanding with strategic thinking, communication skills and an eye for the social impact of digital solutions. What is important, therefore, is a new understanding of roles: women in the public sector should not only be seen as users of digital technologies, but as developers, project managers and decision-makers who are actively shaping the digital transformation of government and administration."

How can we get more women involved in the digitisation of public administration?

"One key lever is visibility: women need to be seen more clearly as the architects of digital transformation in the public sector. This requires role models, networks and targeted programmes that inspire women to pursue IT and digital careers in administration and public service. At the same time, structural barriers must be removed, for example through flexible career paths, better work-life balance and transparent promotion structures. It is also important to start early: girls and young women should be encouraged to develop technical and digital skills and learn that these skills can also help them shape social change – especially in the public sector."

What resources are available for women who want to further their education in these areas?

Women who are interested in digital professions or who want to develop their skills in IT and digitalisation now have a wide range of options available to them – from coding schools and continuing education programmes to mentoring and networking formats. Our #SheTransformsIT initiative map, for example, provides a good overview of organisations, programmes and networks across the country that support girls and women on their way into digital professions. It includes opportunities for different career stages – from introductory digital skills courses to programmes for women in leadership positions in the tech sector. It is particularly important for the public sector to make greater use of these offerings and to specifically recruit women for digitalisation projects in administration and local government."

At our #SCCON26 Career Day on 15 October, we invite young talents and experienced professionals to network with public sector companies and discover new career prospects together. The Career Day will feature exciting presentations on our Career Stage, one-on-one conversations at our Dip & Speed Talks, a digital job wall and free application photos with our Career Day photographer.

Further information is available here.