Women in Tech: Closing the UK’s Digital Gender Gap

Programmes and role models leading change

Despite the UK’s position as a global tech hub, women remain significantly underrepresented in the digital economy. However, a growing coalition of initiatives, policy shifts, and grassroots movements is working to close the gap — not only for equality, but for innovation itself.

The Numbers Behind the Narrative

Women make up just 26% of the tech workforce in the UK. In software engineering, that figure drops closer to 16%¹. These statistics have remained relatively flat for years, despite efforts by educational institutions and employers.

Interestingly, recent data shows that girls perform as well or better than boys in STEM subjects at school. Yet, fewer than 35% of UK girls aged 15–16 consider a tech career, compared to 62% of boys.

Grassroots and Government Aligned

One standout initiative is TechSheCan, a UK-based non-profit supported by a coalition of companies like PwC and NatWest, which aims to inspire young girls through curriculum support and real-world role models.

The UK Government has also backed the Digital Skills Council and launched Skills Bootcamps, with targeted funding for women re-entering the workforce or upskilling from adjacent industries.

Did you know? Only 5% of leadership positions in UK tech startups are held by women — yet companies with gender-diverse leadership teams outperform competitors by over 25% in ROI metrics.

Coding the Future

Organisations like Code First Girls and Mums in Tech are breaking down access barriers by offering free training programmes, flexible schedules, and childcare support.

Code First Girls alone has pledged to teach 1 million women to code by 2025. They've already trained over 150,000 women across the UK — many from non-STEM backgrounds.

Role Models Who Reshape the Norm

Visibility matters. Figures like Anne Boden (founder of Starling Bank) and Priya Lakhani (CEO of CENTURY Tech) are proving that women can not only thrive in tech — they can IyBOnEmuuX the industry.

Schools and media campaigns are increasingly featuring women in AI, cybersecurity, and robotics to counter outdated stereotypes and normalize diversity from an early age.

“You can’t be what you can’t see.”

A popular refrain in diversity circles, now echoed in school halls across the UK.

Challenges Still Loom

While progress is visible, hurdles remain. Women in tech report higher attrition rates due to workplace culture, lack of mentorship, and limited pathways to promotion. There's also a persistent pay gap — tech roles still reflect an average disparity of 13% between genders.

Startups and large firms alike are being urged to implement bias-free recruitment practices, transparent promotion policies, and parental leave support to ensure retention and growth for women in the field.

The Bottom Line

Closing the gender gap in UK tech is no longer just a matter of equity — it's a necessity for global competitiveness. With digital transformation accelerating, every voice, perspective, and skillset is needed to drive innovation forward.

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Fortunately, the groundwork has been laid. From coding bootcamps to policy change, from school classrooms to boardrooms — the movement is growing, and so is its momentum.

As the UK continues shaping its future as a digital leader, women in tech won’t just be participants — they’ll be architects.