UK Announces Taskforce to 'Break down Barriers' for Women in Technology

The UK government has established a taskforce aimed at supporting women in the tech sector, chaired by technology secretary Liz Kendall. The taskforce will gather insights from female leaders in tech to enhance diversity and spur economic growth within the industry.

Notably, the Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) reported that women represent only 22% of IT specialists in the UK. Ms. Kendall emphasised that the Women in Tech group aims to 'break down the barriers' hindering women's participation.

She believes that when women are empowered in tech roles, the sector can make more inclusive decisions and create products that cater to all.

Government Action to Bridge the Gender Gap

BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, highlighted in December that the number of women in the UK tech sector remains significantly lower than men, urging the government to address the gender gap to achieve its AI objectives.

Moreover, Chief executive Sharron Gunn emphasised the necessity of including diverse talents and perspectives to foster trust in AI systems.

Together with Anne-Marie Imafidon, the inventor of Stemettes, who has been named the Women in Tech Envoy, Ms. Kendall will head the task force.

Remarkably, Dr. Imafidon, a pioneer in encouraging young women to pursue careers in STEM, aims to enhance gender equality and representation in the field, building on over ten years of advocacy.

She achieved A-level computing at age 11 and obtained a Master's Degree in Maths and Computer Science from the University of Oxford at 20.

Besides, she noted that amid the “fourth industrial revolution,” it is crucial to change who makes decisions about the future. The focus is not only on having women lead in technology development, but also on ensuring that technology serves the benefits of everyone.

Long-Overdue Equality

According to the government, the taskforce will provide recommendations on how to “ensure the UK accesses the full talent pool, market opportunities, and innovation capacity needed for economic growth” and make the tech sector more representative.

Among its fifteen original members are Dr Hayaatun Sillem, CEO of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Francesca Carlesi, CEO of Revolut, and Allison Kirkby, CEO of BT Group.

Furthermore, Kate Bell, assistant general secretary of TUC; Emma O'Dwyer, head of public policy at Uber; and Sue Daley, director of technology and innovation at industry association techUK, are included.

“Entry routes, career progression to leadership, and access to capital are just some of the barriers women in tech still face today,” stated Ms. Daley.

“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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