GESI survey 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, conducted the first comprehensive GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion) study of the IT industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The goal of the research was to assess the current state of the industry through the lens of gender equality and social inclusion, map good practices, and identify barriers affecting the participation of women and marginalized groups in the IT sector.

Project Goals

• Analizirati strukturu zaposlenih u IT industriji prema spolu, tipu kompanije i sektoru.Analyze the structure of employees in the IT industry by gender, company type, and sector.

• Examine the representation of women, persons with disabilities, and other marginalized groups within the workforce.

• Identify challenges and good practices in applying GESI principles in business operations.

• Develop guidelines for improving gender equality and social inclusion within IT companies.

Activities

Istraživanje je obuhvatilo IT kompanije – članice i nečlanice Bit The research covered IT companies — both members and non-members of Bit Alliance — from all regions of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Data were collected on employee structure, business models (outsourcing, product development, or hybrid), export activities, and employee perceptions of GESI principles.

The applied methodology combined quantitative and qualitative approaches, including employer and employee surveys, as well as focus group discussions with management representatives. The results provided a comprehensive overview of the current situation and enabled the development of recommendations and concrete tools to strengthen inclusive policies in the IT industry.

Results

One of the key outcomes of the study was the publication “Guidelines for Inclusive Communication in the IT Industry” — a practical manual for companies that provides recommendations on how to promote equality and avoid discriminatory patterns through written, verbal, and visual communication.

The guidelines are based on international standards and best practices, adapted to the context of the IT industry in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and are intended for all employees — from management to operational teams.

Long-Term Impact

By conducting the GESI study and developing the guidelines, Bit Alliance took an important step toward the systemic development of an inclusive IT sector in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This process has laid the foundation for future policies that recognize diversity as a strength and promote equal access to opportunities for everyone.

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