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The UK government has introduced a new taskforce aimed at supporting women in the technology sector by helping them enter, remain, and advance into leadership roles within the industry. This initiative is spearheaded by technology secretary Liz Kendall, who will collaborate with prominent female figures from various tech companies and organizations. Their mission is to provide guidance to the government on strategies to enhance diversity and stimulate economic growth within the tech landscape.
According to BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, women represent only 22% of professionals in IT specialist roles across the UK. Ms. Kendall emphasized that the Women in Tech taskforce is designed to dismantle the persistent obstacles that limit participation and progression for many talented women. She highlighted the importance of inspiring women to pursue roles in technology and securing their presence “at the table,” which ensures that the sector can develop products that truly represent and serve a diverse population.
In her remarks, Kendall said, “When women are inspired to take on a role in tech and have a seat at the table, the sector can make more representative decisions, build products that serve everyone.” Meanwhile, BCS has expressed concerns about the ongoing gender imbalance in UK’s tech workforce, warning that the underrepresentation of women could hamper the country’s ambitions in fields like artificial intelligence. Sharron Gunn, BCS’s chief executive, stated, “We cannot create high-trust, high-integrity AI systems if the profession behind them is missing out on the talents and perspective of half the population.”
The taskforce will be co-led by Anne-Marie Imafidon, founder of Stemettes and acting Women in Tech Envoy. Dr. Imafidon, who passed her A-level computing exam at just 11 years old and earned a Master’s Degree in Maths and Computer Science from Oxford by age 20, has long advocated for increased female representation in STEM fields. She described the current moment as emblematic of “a fourth industrial revolution,” underscoring the importance of reshaping who is involved in decision-making about future technologies. “This isn’t just about having women being the driving force and building the technology, but this is about building technology that benefits everybody,” she explained.
The government asserts that the taskforce will recommend solutions for making the tech sector more inclusive, ensuring that the UK fully harnesses its talent base, market opportunities, and capacity for innovation—all critical for economic advancement. Among the group’s 15 founding members are notable leaders such as Allison Kirkby, CEO of BT Group; Francesca Carlesi, CEO of Revolut; and Dr. Hayaatun Sillem, CEO of the Royal Academy of Engineering. The taskforce also features Kate Bell, assistant general secretary of the TUC; Emma O’Dwyer, director of public policy at Uber; and Sue Daley, director of technology and innovation at techUK.
Sue Daley commented on the persistent challenges facing women in tech, including limited entry pathways, career progression hurdles, and difficulties obtaining capital. She remarked, “Achieving gender equality is long overdue, and I am honoured to join the Women in Tech taskforce alongside Liz Kendall and several inspiring women from across the industry, working together to chart a path forward for true gender equality.
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