Women in tech taskforce launched to break down barriers

The government has launched a new Women in Tech Taskforce to tackle the barriers holding women back from entering, staying and leading in the sector. I want to hear from women working in tech in my constituency so I can share your stories with it.

Led by Technology Secretary Liz Kendall and Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, the taskforce brings together leaders from across the tech industry, education and trade unions. Its job is to fix a system that shuts women out and unlock the full potential of the UK’s tech economy.

Tech is one of the fastest growing parts of our economy and with opportunities coming locally at Silicon Sands and elsewhere, it’s important that it works for everyone. Women make up just 29 per cent of the tech workforce and only 21 per cent of senior roles. Men outnumber women four to one in computer science degrees.

These barriers come at a cost. Every year, the UK economy loses between £2 billion and £3.5 billion because women leave the tech sector or change jobs due to poor culture, lack of progression and unequal access to opportunity. At the current pace, equal representation in tech is still hundreds of years away.

This taskforce exists because that is not good enough.

Liz 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.”

When women are involved in designing technology, businesses make better decisions and build products that work for everyone. Women make up at least half of consumers – tech designed without them makes no sense.

The taskforce will focus on education, training, progression and leadership. It will also look at access to funding, where the gap is stark. Female founded tech businesses receive far less investment than male founded ones, despite delivering stronger returns holding back innovation and growth.

This work matters locally tools if you’re a women working in tech in Blackpool South or if you have tried to enter the sector and faced barriers, I want to hear from you.

Please email chris.webb.mp@parliament.uk and tell me your story – whether its about your success, the barriers you’ve faced or both.

This taskforce is a chance to change how tech works in practice, not just on paper. If we want growth that lasts we need to listen, act and make sure women have the same chances to succeed.