Women across Britain could see stronger support to enter, stay and progress in the UK tech sector after Technology Secretary Liz Kendall launched a new Women in Tech Taskforce.
The government says the economy loses an estimated £2-£3.5 billion a year because women leave tech roles or move jobs due to barriers in the sector.
Kendall convened the first meeting of the taskforce at the British Science Association on Monday, bringing together senior figures from industry, education and policy to advise on ways to improve diversity and career progression.
The gap remains pronounced, with men outnumbering women four to one in computer science degrees and women being less likely to enter the sector, remain in it or reach leadership roles.
A 2023 Fawcett Society study also found 20% of men in tech believe women are inherently less suited to the roles.
It also highlighted that, at the current pace, it could take 283 years to reach equal representation, while female-founded startups receive 5.9x less funding than male-founded ones despite delivering 35% higher returns on investment.
The taskforce will focus on identifying barriers to education, training and career progression and developing practical proposals for government and industry.
“Technology should work for everyone, that is why I have established the Women in Tech Taskforce, to break down the barriers that still hold too many people back, and to partner with industry on practical solutions that make a real difference,” said Kendall.
“This matters deeply to me. 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, and unlock the innovation and growth our economy needs.”
Anne-Marie Imafidon, founder of STEMETTES, has been appointed Women in Tech Envoy and will lead the taskforce alongside Kendall.
The founding members of the Women in Tech Taskforce include senior figures from across industry, education and policy, including Allison Kirkby, CEO of BT Group; Francesca Carlesi, CEO of Revolut UK; Anna Brailsford, CEO and co-founder of Code First Girls; and leaders from organisations such as techUK, the Royal Academy of Engineering, the TUC and the StartUp Coalition.
The taskforce is expected to sit alongside existing programmes such as the £187 million TechFirst skills programme and the Regional Tech Booster programme, as well as wider curriculum plans to strengthen digital and AI skills in schools.