GESI Research of the IT Industry in BiH and Guidelines for Inclusive Communication

Sarajevo, 2023

As part of its strategic commitment to developing an inclusive and competitive IT sector, Bit Alliance, in cooperation with the MarketMakers project funded by the Government of Switzerland, carried out the first comprehensive GESI (gender equality and social inclusion) research of the IT industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The aim of the research was to assess the current state of the industry through the lens of gender equality and social inclusion, map best practices, and identify key barriers affecting the participation of women and marginalized groups in the sector.

The research covered a broad range of IT companies – both members and non-members of Bit Alliance – from all parts of BiH. Data was collected on:

  • the structure of employees by gender, position, and company type (outsourcing, product development, or a combination),

  • the share of women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups in the workforce,

  • the type of sector and export rate of IT companies,

  • employee perceptions and attitudes toward GESI principles,

  • examples of successful GESI policies and practices in employment and inclusion.

 

The applied methodology combined quantitative and qualitative approaches – survey research for employers and employees, as well as focus groups with management representatives and teams. The results provided a comprehensive insight into the situation on the ground, including statistical indicators and personal perspectives of employees, creating a basis for developing recommendations and concrete tools for improving GESI policies in the IT sector.

One of the key outcomes of this process is the publication “Guidelines for Inclusive Communication in the IT Industry”. The guide was developed as a practical tool for IT companies, offering clear recommendations on how, through written, verbal, and visual communication, to empower women and individuals from marginalized communities, avoid discriminatory patterns and stereotypes, and build a work environment that reflects the principles of equality and inclusion. The Guidelines are based on international standards and best practices, adapted to the context of the IT industry in BiH, and are intended for all employees – from management to operational teams – as a reference for everyday communication that recognizes and values diversity.

By implementing this research and creating the Guidelines, Bit Alliance has taken an important step towards a systematic approach to developing an inclusive IT sector in BiH, positioning the industry as an example of socially responsible action and business practice that equally values the competencies, experience, and contributions of all members of the workforce.

The full research report and the “Guidelines for Inclusive Communication in the IT Industry” are available at the following link.

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