The government has announced a push to support women in tech, helping to tackle barriers facing females founders and workers while also boosting growth across the UK economy.
The government will work with industry through its Women in Tech Taskforce to develop two new voluntary standards on workplace culture and on investment practices, alongside launching a new scale-up women’s programme to help more women start, grow and scale technology businesses.
Currently women represent only 22 per cent of the IT workforce, but evidence shows that closing participation gaps could add up to £4 billion a year to UK GDP. Meanwhile, enabling women to found and grow businesses at the same rate as men could unlock £310 billion for the economy.
A recent call for evidence found that 74 per cent of respondents believe a better workplace culture would support women’s progression and leadership in tech.
The government has committed to a new “Tech Forward Standard”, with commitments intended to improve workplace culture, which could include measures such as developing trusted harassment reporting routes so workers feel safe to come forward.
Digital Inclusion Minister and Women in Tech Taskforce co-chair Vicky Foxcroft said: "Too many talented women are leaving tech or never getting the chance to build a career in it in the first place.
"That’s not just unfair, it’s a waste of talent our economy can’t afford. These initiatives are about working with industry to create opportunities for all, so that tech becomes a place where women can thrive, from the classroom right through to the boardroom."
Chief Executive and co-founder of Stemettes and Women in Tech Envoy Anne-Marie Imafidon said: "Too many women have told us about facing misconduct like harassment and discrimination in tech. That is unacceptable and a key driver of poor participation in the sector. This launch is about working with industry to ensure we have a future that works for everyone, by creating the cultural change women and their allies have long been calling for.
"With 74% of respondents to our Call for Evidence advocating for better workplace culture, we now have a clear mandate to work with industry and make tech somewhere women stay, thrive and lead."
