From Inclusion to Action: The Role of Allyship for Women in Software Teams

Women face daily challenges that exceed normal workplace obstacles. One way of addressing these challenges is through allyship. Allyship refers to the support that software practitioners from underrepresented groups receive from more privileged group members. While potentially very valuable, it is rarely investigated. In this study, we investigate women software practitioners' current understanding of allyship and its perceived benefits and challenges. We interviewed 17 women software practitioners and 8 of their allies, and analyzed their reported experiences and perceptions qualitatively. We find that allyship benefits individuals' well-being and career advancement and that it promotes a positive organizational culture and success. However, allies are confronted with additional invisible work, role conflicts, challenging relational dynamics, and organizational constraints. From this, we derive organizational recommendations to strengthen allyship in organizations.