The government has launched a new taskforce that it says will help women “enter, stay and lead” the UK tech sector.
Led by technology minister Liz Kendall, it will see female leaders from tech companies and organizations advising the government on how to drive diversity and economic growth in the industry.
BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, recently suggested that only 22% of those working in IT roles in the UK are women.
Ms Kendall said the Women in Tech group would “break down the barriers that still hold too many people back”.
“When women are inspired to take on roles in technology and have a seat at the table, the sector will be able to make more representative decisions, create products that serve everyone,” she said.
BCS, Chartered Institute of Information Technology, warned in December The number of women working in the UK technology sector still lags far behind men.
It says the government should try to help close the gender gap to achieve its target. ambitious AI goals.
“We can’t create artificial intelligence systems with high levels of trust and integrity if the profession behind them doesn’t recognize the talents and perspectives of half the population,” said chief executive Sharron Gunn.
Ms Kendall will lead the working group alongside Anne-Marie Imafidon, founder of Stemettes, who has been appointed as an ambassador for women in technology.
Dr Imafidon, who passed A-levels in computing at 11 and completed a master's degree in mathematics and computer science at Oxford University at 20, is keen to encourage more young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
She told the BBC her role would build on more than a decade of work to achieve greater equality and representation for women.
But now, in the midst of what she calls the “fourth industrial revolution,” is a key moment to “take part in changing who makes the decisions about what comes next.”
“It's not just about women being the driving force and creating technology, but creating technology that benefits everyone,” she said.
The government said the taskforce will advise on how to make the technology sector more representative and “ensure the UK has access to the full talent pool, market opportunities and innovation capacity needed for economic growth.”
BT Group chief executive Allison Kirkby, Revolut chief executive Francesca Carlesi and Dr Hayatoun Sillem, chief executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering, are among the 15 founding members.
It also includes TUC assistant general secretary Kate Bell, Uber's director of public policy Emma O'Dwyer and Sue Daly, director of technology and innovation at industry group techUK.
“Pathways to entry, career progression to leadership and access to capital are just some of the barriers women in technology still face today,” Ms. Daly said.
“Achieving gender equality is long overdue, and I am honored to join the Women in Tech task force with Liz Kendall and several inspiring women from across the industry working together to lead the way forward to true gender equality.”
