Why It’s Time to Bring More Women Into Tech
Did you know that just 17 % of the tech workforce is female? Yet a fresh H.P.‑commissioned study shows nearly 70 % of women in the UK would love to dive into tech roles. That’s almost a 5‑fold jump from the current reality.
Where the Gap Lies
- Interest Gap: About one‑third of women are open to specialised tech positions, but only a tiny slice actually pursues them.
- Misconceptions: 45 % of women say they’d retrain for a tech job if the doors were widened—meaning the problem isn’t lack of skill but feeling out of reach.
- Confidence Void: A quarter of women who didn’t study STEM simply don’t think they can. That’s a key blocker.
What the Experts Say
At an HP UK roundtable with the Fawcett Society and the Tech Talent Charter, voices rang out:
- Vicky Ford MP: “Digital tech is our future, but women still lag in the sector. We need to open doors faster.”
- Margot James, Minister for Digital: “Diversity is good business. We’re investing £1.2 m to bring under‑represented talent—women included—into tech.”
- Philip Brasher, HP Senior VP: “At HP we’re championing a 50 % female intake for interns and running a ‘Returners Programme’ for women re‑entering the job market.”
- Debbie Foster, CEO of Tech Talent Charter: “Many women are clueless about flexible tech roles. That’s why we’re teaming up with employers to rewrite the narrative.”
- Sam Smethers, Fawcett Society CEO: “If girls see tech as a boys’ club, we’ll never lead the world. Time to break the myths.”
Why Flexibility, Salary & Site Matter
Only 25 % of surveyed women see work‑life balance as a perk in tech. Yet that’s a goldmine for recruiters: flexible schedules, competitive pay, and proximity to city hubs top the list of priorities for jobs that can boost interest.
Adding a dash of humour to job ads—think “coders & coffee lovers!”—can nudge more women to open the door. A respectful, inclusive tone, coupled with real‑life success stories, bridges the confidence gap.
What’s Next?
The consensus is clear: we need a cultural shift.
- Implement job‑broadening initiatives that showcase clear entry routes.
- Boost confidence through mentorship, campus outreach, and real‑world projects.
- Keep the conversation alive—every employer, every recruiter, every student—has a role in forging this change.
Bottom line: Welcome more women into tech, and not only will the workforce balance out, but the UK’s global standing in digital innovation will soar. It’s a win-win for everyone—skills, growth, and a future that looks like the rest of us.
