UK launches taskforce to 'break down barriers' for women in technology

The government has launched a new taskforce that it claims can help women enter, remain, and lead in the UK tech industry. Female executives from tech firms and organisations will advise the government on how to improve diversity and economic growth in the market, according to technology minister Liz Kendall. According to BCS, the Chartered InstITute for Technology, women accounted for only 22% of those working in IT consulting roles in the UnITed Kingdom. According to Ms Kendall, the Women in Tech group will "shake down the walls that hold too many people back.

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,

she said. In December, BCS, the Chartered InstITute for IT, warned that the number of women working in the UK tech industry was still far behind men. According to the government, it should AIm to close the societal divide in order to achieve its ambitious AI goals.

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,

Sharron Gunn sAId. Ms Kendall, the founder of Stemettes and Anne-Marie Imafidon, has been named as the Women in Tech Envoy. Dr. Imafidon, who obtained a Master's Degree in Maths and Computer Science from the University of Oxford aged 20, has hoped to attract more young women to pursue STEM careers in Stem - science, technology, engineering, and maths. She told the BBC that her role would continue to grow greater equality for - and representation of - women. But now, during what she described as a fourth industrial revolution, she was a critical moment to

be part of the change who makes those decisions for what comes next.

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

'Equality long overdue'

The taskforce, according to the government, will provide recommendations on how to make the tech sector more representative and

ensure that the UK has access to the full talent pool, market opportunities, and innovation capacity that is essential for economic growth. Allison Kirkby, Revolut chief executive Francesca Carlesi, and Dr. Hayaatun Sillem, the Royal Academy of Engineering's chief executive, are among the company's 15 founding members. It also includes TUC assistant general secretary Kate Bell, director of public policy at Uber Emma O'Dwyer, and Sue Daley, director for technology and innovation at industry group TechUK.

Enter routes, career advancement, and capital are just some of the obstacles women in technology still face today,Ms Daley said.Achieving gender parity has long been overdue, and I am honored to serve with Liz Kendall and several influential women from around the industry, all working together to map a path forward for true gender equality. "Subscribe to our Tech Decoded newsletter to stay up-to-date with the best tech news and trends around the world. Outside the UK? Sign up here.