Shaking Down the Walls: UK Launches New Taskforce to Boost Women in Tech

The UK technology sector is facing a critical moment. According to BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, women currently account for only 22% of those working in IT consulting roles across the United Kingdom. It is a statistic that highlights a massive missed opportunity for economic growth and innovation.

In response, the government has officially launched a new taskforce designed to help women "enter, remain, and lead" in the UK tech industry.

The Mission: More Than Just Numbers

Technology Minister Liz Kendall stated that the group’s goal is to "shake down the walls that hold too many people back." But this isn't just about filling quotas. It is about ensuring that the people designing the future represent the people living in it.

"If women are encouraged to play a part in technology and have a seat at the table, the industry can make more representative decisions and produce products that benefit everyone," Kendall noted.

The AI Connection

A major focus of the taskforce is Artificial Intelligence. As we move deeper into what is being called the "fourth industrial revolution," the risks of a homogeneous workforce become higher.

Sharron Gunn of BCS warned, "If the industry behind them is missing out on the talents and vision of half the population, we cannot produce high-trust, high-integrity AI systems."

To achieve the UK's ambitious AI goals, closing the societal divide is no longer optional; it is an operational necessity.

Heavy Hitters at the Helm

To drive this change, the government has enlisted high-profile female executives. Dr. Anne-Marie Imafidon, founder of Stemettes and a prodigy who obtained her Master’s from Oxford at age 20, has been named the Women in Tech Envoy.

"This isn't about having women be the driving force and designing the equipment, but it's about creating technology that benefits everyone," Imafidon told the BBC.

Joining her are industry leaders including:

Francesca Carlesi (CEO, Revolut)
Dr. Hayaatun Sillem (CEO, Royal Academy of Engineering)
Allison Kirkby
Sue Daley (TechUK)

A Long Overdue Step

Sue Daley, Director for Technology and Innovation at TechUK, summarized the sentiment of the founding members: "Achieving gender parity has long been overdue."

The taskforce will now work to provide concrete recommendations on career advancement, access to capital, and entry routes, ensuring the UK has access to its full talent pool.