Thematic analysis of female software developers’ workplace experience in Nigerian companies

The low representation of women working as software developers around the globe has been a significant issue over the years especially in a developing country like Nigeria. This inadequate representation leads to software applications and programs being partial to end-users along with preventing women from benefiting from one of the current most lucrative career opportunity. Some Software development start-ups in Nigeria have received about $1.8 billion in funding in the year 2021 and just 27% of the start-ups that received the money have at least one woman as a founding member. Different barriers have been in existence to discourage women from pursuing a career in the field worldwide like a glass ceiling, and significant pay gap against the male counterparts. These barriers are now being lifted at a slow rate with the help of different Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs). The aim of this study was to interpret and understand the different experiences some of the few female programmers have had around the workplace while working for Nigerian companies. A pilot study was conducted among 6 female programmers in order to improve the questionnaire. The final questionnaire was sent out via LinkedIn, WhatsApp and Twitter to some female programmers but only 6 responded. A thematic analysis was conducted from the information the various participants submitted to locate and understand the recurring themes amongst their experiences. The thematic analysis revealed 4 key themes which includes: Career transition; Financial stability; fulfilment; work life balance; Professional Culture & Gender stereotype and Fulfilment. Most women stated they transitioned into the programming space after coming across the information from friends and family. The major influence was the financial stability and the fulfilment of solving problems the field provide. Their experience has been negatively influenced by the poor work life the field provided. Gender stereotype was also highlighted as a core reason as why other women do not venture into the space.