Prime Highlights:
- The Women in Tech Taskforce will remove barriers and support women in starting and growing careers in the tech sector.
- The initiative will replicate the success of women-led tech companies and encourage more women into leadership roles.
Key Facts:
- Men outnumber women 4 to 1 in computer science degrees, and women face systemic barriers in tech careers.
- Female-founded startups receive significantly less funding than male-founded ones, despite achieving higher returns on investment.
Background:
The UK Government has launched the Women in Tech Taskforce to address the ongoing gender gap in the technology sector. Studies show that women are greatly underrepresented in tech, with men outnumbering women four to one in computer science degrees, and many women face barriers in advancing their careers.
At the first taskforce meeting held by the British Science Association, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Liz Kendall highlighted the need for growth that includes everyone. “Technology should work for everyone. This task force will break down barriers and partner with industry to create practical solutions that make a real difference,” Kendall said.
The task force will gather industry leaders, experts, and policymakers to guide the government on how to help women start and grow their careers in tech. Its goals include improving access to education and training, supporting women-led businesses, and giving women equal chances to take on leadership roles.
Anne-Marie Imafidon, founder of STEMETTES, has been appointed as the Women in Tech Envoy to lead the task force alongside Kendall. The initiative will aim to copy the success of women-led tech companies like Starling Bank, Peanut, Ivee, and Koru Kids. These companies serve as examples of how women-led ventures can achieve higher returns and drive innovation.
The taskforce will complement existing programs, including the £187 million TechFirst skills initiative and the Regional Tech Booster programme, which aim to develop and nurture tech talent across the UK.
With this initiative, the government hopes to accelerate progress toward gender equality in tech, create inclusive opportunities for women, and unlock significant economic growth by harnessing untapped talent.