Exploring Gender Perspectives on Parenthood Experiences among Fathers and Mothers in the ICT Field

This paper investigates the challenges encountered by mothers and fathers in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) field regarding parenthood, with a focus on gender perspectives. A survey was conducted with practitioners in the ICT field to explore their perceptions of parenting challenges. Findings indicate that while male practitioners perceive the organizational culture as inclusive towards parents, most women do not share this perception. Mothers express insecurity about the impact of maternity leave on their careers and report receiving fewer job opportunities because they have children, whereas most fathers do not share these concerns. However, the majority of ICT practitioners who are parents report receiving support from their coworkers regarding their parental responsibilities. The analysis highlights common challenges faced by parents in the ICT industry, including balancing work and family responsibilities, workplace discrimination against women, and a lack of organizational support for parents. Nevertheless, there is a growing acknowledgment of the need for inclusive policies and mutual support to address these challenges.