Jessica O'ConnorTechnology Secretary Liz Kendall has launched a new Women in Tech Taskforce, to ensure women will be better supported to enter, stay and progress in the UK’s tech workforce.
The taskforce, convened this week by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, aims to address long-standing barriers that prevent women from accessing tech jobs, remaining in the sector and reaching leadership roles.
The formation of the taskforce comes as research revealed the UK economy loses between £2bn and £3.5bn each year as women leave tech roles due to structural and cultural obstacles.
The initiative aims to bring together senior industry leaders, academics and workforce experts to advise government on practical measures to improve recruitment, retention and progression for women in tech.
It will focus on education, skills, career pathways and workplace culture, with the aim of unlocking a wider talent pool to support growth, innovation and productivity.
Despite rapid expansion, women remain significantly underrepresented in the sector.
Men outnumber women four to one in computer science degrees, and women are less likely to move into senior roles.
At the current rate of change, it is estimated that equal representation will not be achieved for more than two centuries.
Launching the taskforce, Kendall said: “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.
“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.”
Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, founder of STEMETTES, has been appointed as Women in Tech Envoy and will lead the taskforce alongside the Secretary of State.
The group will work to replicate successful employment and leadership models seen in women-led tech businesses, while complementing existing government skills initiatives such as the £187m TechFirst programme and the Regional Tech Booster scheme.
The taskforce will also build on wider reforms to strengthen digital and AI skills in schools, supporting clearer pathways from education into tech employment.
The government said the combined measures are designed to improve workforce diversity, tackle skills shortages and ensure more women can build long-term, sustainable careers in the UK tech sector.
