Women in Tech Statistics – The State of Women in Tech

To understand the landscape of women in tech, it’s important to look at the numbers. Women make up around 42% of the global tech workforce, yet they still face significant challenges such as gender bias, underrepresentation in leadership, and wage gaps. According to recent reports:

• 26% of the UK tech work force are women, with only 5% of leadership roles being held by women.
• Only 27% of women say they would consider a career in technology, compared to 62% of men.
• 66% of people can name a famous man working in technology, while only 22% can name a famous woman in tech.

Despite these challenges, progress is happening. More organisations are investing in mentorship, funding initiatives, and inclusive hiring practices to support women in tech. These efforts are making a tangible difference, helping to pave the way for more women to enter and thrive in the industry.

Spotlight: Interview with a Belinda Parmar OBE

Highlighting the voices of women in tech is crucial to understanding their journeys and inspiring others. We spoke with Belinda Parmar OBE about her journey in the tech industry. Belinda is a diversity campaigner and CEO of The Empathy Business, using the science of empathy to drive cultural change in leadership, communications, and operations. She created the Global Empathy Index, scaling it with AI to rank companies on empathy. A former Empathy-In-Residence at major banks, she has spoken at Davos, was awarded an OBE for services to women in tech and authored Little Miss Geek to inspire young women in STEM.

Why did you pursue a career in tech?

My journey into tech began with the realisation that technology was shaping every aspect of our lives, yet it lacked (and still lacks) the voices of women. I founded Lady Geek and Little Miss Geek as I became passionate about bridging the gap for women and girls in tech. The fact that only 17% of the tech workforce in the UK is female, despite women buying 40% of tech products is not ok. I wanted young women to see themselves as creators of tech, not just consumers. I want my daughter to grow up knowing that female voices are not only welcomed but essential in shaping the future of the tech industry.

Have you faced challenges as a woman in tech, and if so, how did you overcome them?

I’ve definitely faced challenges, particularly when working within the tech industry rather than on the outside. I remember once, a boss referred to my emotional intelligence as ‘sensitivity,’ implying it was a weakness, rather than recognising it as a powerful tool the tech industry, with its ‘bro culture,’ desperately needs. When I started Lady Geek, I was older, more confident, and no longer willing to accept the same dismissive behaviour I did in my younger years. I felt it was my responsibility to call out these issues and create a space where female voices are respected and valued.

What has been your proudest achievement in your tech career so far?

My proudest achievement has been completing a law degree during COVID in my late forties, followed by finishing the Barrister Bar course while still running my business. The law is an incredible way to drive change, and with tech companies moving away from self-regulation, the importance of enforcement, AI, and tech law will only grow in the coming years. I’m excited to be part of this evolving landscape and to contribute to shaping how tech operates within legal boundaries.

What advice would you give to young women looking to enter the industry?

Ask forgiveness, not permission! We need female voices in AI more than ever. We can’t leave the tech industry to the ‘bros.’ Technology has the power to solve some of the world’s biggest problems, and we need women to lead the way in this transformation.

How do you hope to see the tech industry change in the next 5 years?

I’m concerned about the direction the tech industry is heading, especially with the rise of a divisive approach that pits masculine versus feminine energy (I mean seriously…good energy is just good energy?!) and the influence of the geopolitical landscape. In the next five years, I hope to see a more diverse range of voices in the tech industry, with AI regulation playing a key role. We are at a crossroads in tech, both politically and from an AI perspective. If we can combine tech skills with empathy, that’s where the magic happens—and where the empathy revolution truly begins!

Belinda’s journey is a testament to the impact women can have in shaping the tech industry.

Women in Tech Success Story: Jo Wilcox

Beyond industry leaders, everyday women are also breaking into tech and making a difference. Jo Wilcox’s story exemplifies resilience and determination.

Jo began her career in real estate but always had a passion for tech. In 2023, after leaving her position due to a disability, she found herself at a crossroads. While out of work for nine months, she reflected on her aspirations and decided to pursue a career in technology. Her turning point came when she discovered Catch22 at a jobs fair, which introduced her to the Click Start TechUPWomen programme by Durham University. The programme provided her with the support, mentorship, and technical training she needed to transition into the industry.

Through the programme, Jo gained valuable technical skills in testing, quality assurance (QA), accessibility, and coding. More importantly, she built confidence and a sense of belonging in the tech space. Shortly after completing the course, she secured a role as a Junior QA Engineer at Conductr, where she now thrives. Reflecting on her journey, Jo says:

“I am now in a job that I love, and I enjoy waking up each day for. I finally have a sense of belonging.”

Jo’s story highlights the importance of accessible training programmes and the power of determination in overcoming barriers.

Women-Led Tech Businesses in the UK

Women are not only shaping the tech workforce but also leading some of the most innovative companies in the UK. However, funding disparities remain a major hurdle. In 2023, just 3.5% of equity raised in investment deals went to businesses with an all-female founding team, compared to over 85% secured by all-male teams. Despite this, women founders continue to defy the odds, generating 35% higher return on investment than their male counterparts.

Here are a few women-founded businesses disrupting and changing the industry:

• Starling Bank: Founded by Anne Boden in 2014, Starling Bank is a digital-only bank aiming to revolutionise banking with user-friendly mobile services.
• PensionBee: Established by Romina Savova in 2014, PensionBee simplifies pension management by consolidating multiple pensions into a single, easy-to-manage online plan.
• lastminute.com: Co-founded by Martha Lane Fox in 1998, lastminute.com transformed the travel industry by offering late travel deals online, making spontaneous travel more accessible.
• CENTURY: Founded by Priya Lakhani in 2013, CENTURY Tech utilises artificial intelligence to provide personalised learning experiences, enhancing education through technology.
• Canva: Co-founded by Melanie Perkins in 2013, Canva is a graphic design platform that enables users to create professional designs easily, democratising design for all.
• Eventbrite: Co-founded by Julia Hartz in 2006, providing a global platform for event organisers to plan, promote, and sell tickets to events of all sizes.
• Cisco: Co-founded by Sandy Lerner in 1984, Cisco revolutionised networking technology by developing the first multi-protocol router, enabling seamless communication across different computer networks.
• Bumble: Founded by Whitney Wolfe Herd in 2014, Bumble is a dating app where women make the first move, empowering women in the online dating space.
• proSapient: Co-founded by Margo Polishchuk in 2017, proSapient is a market research platform that connects businesses with industry experts, facilitating informed decision-making.

These businesses showcase the power of female entrepreneurship and the positive impact women bring to the tech space.

Women-Focused Educational Programmes in the UK

Encouraging more women to enter the tech industry starts with access to education, training, and mentorship. Here are some outstanding programmes designed to support and empower women in tech:

• Institute of Coding: A nationwide initiative in the UK that collaborates with universities and employers to deliver digital skills training, helping to close the gender gap in tech.
• TechUPWomen: A programme led by Durham University that provides women from underrepresented backgrounds with training and support to transition into technology careers.
• Code First Girls: A social enterprise dedicated to teaching women coding skills for free, partnering with businesses to create employment opportunities.
• Coding Black Females: A community and training organisation supporting Black women in tech by offering networking events, workshops, and mentorship.
• Next Tech Girls: A programme aimed at inspiring teenage girls to consider careers in technology through work experience placements and industry engagement.
• TechSheCan: A collaborative initiative of businesses working to increase the number of women in technology by providing educational resources and career guidance.

These initiatives play a crucial role in breaking barriers and making the tech industry more inclusive for women.

Looking Ahead: How We Can Support Women in Tech?

It’s not just about celebrating achievements, it’s about action. Here’s how we can all contribute to a more inclusive tech industry:

• Mentorship & Networking: Support programmes that connect women with mentors and industry leaders.
• Investment in Women-Led Startups: Advocate for equal access to funding and resources.
• Workplace Policies: Encourage companies to foster diversity through equal pay, parental leave, and inclusive hiring.
• STEM Education Initiatives: Inspire the next generation by supporting coding programmes, scholarships, and tech workshops for girls.

Women in tech are shaping the future…

…and their contributions deserve to be recognised, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day. Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or simply amplifying their voices, we all have a role to play in fostering a more diverse and inclusive industry.