BCS diversity report 2024: Addressing the under-representation of women in technology

Foreword by Samantha Niblett MP

As someone who has spent most of their career in IT, I have long been aware of the gender disparities within the tech sector. Despite incremental progress, women still account for only 21% of IT specialists in the UK, a figure that is starkly out of step with the 51% of women in the working-age population. This underrepresentation represents a significant loss of talent and potential for our country.

The findings here point to several areas of concern that demand urgent attention. Firstly, the “tech bro” culture that persists in many corners of the industry is more than just a cultural issue—it actively discourages women from entering or remaining in IT roles. We cannot allow outdated stereotypes to shape the future of our most innovative and promising sector. The industry itself must take the lead in addressing this, with a clear commitment to fostering inclusive workplaces and providing pathways for women into leadership roles.

Secondly, there is a troubling gap in skills training that starts in our schools. With just 4% of female IT specialists holding IT related degrees, compared to 11% of men, it’s clear that we are failing to equip young women with the knowledge and confidence to pursue careers in tech. This gap doesn’t start in higher education—it starts much earlier, in our primary and secondary schools, where girls are not encouraged towards careers in STEM subjects as much as boys are.

We need to overhaul how we introduce technology to all young people and make concerted efforts to retain the interest of young women in these fields. This is not just an issue for educators, but one for the government, and industry to address collaboratively.

We need comprehensive policies that integrate early tech education for girls, remove structural barriers, and support women throughout their careers in technology. We should also be setting specific gender targets for IT apprenticeships and upskilling programs, ensuring that the government and industry are held accountable.

For the tech industry, it's time to look critically at hiring practices, workplace cultures, and pay equity. The report notes that female IT specialists earn 6% less than their male counterparts, this gap is unacceptable, and we must ensure companies are transparent about how they plan to close it. Additionally, the fact that only 5% of female IT specialists are self-employed, compared to 7% of men, suggests barriers to entrepreneurial opportunities that need addressing.

This report is a wake-up call. The lack of diversity in tech is not just a matter of fairness; it’s a matter of national economic resilience and innovation. If we are to remain competitive on the global stage, we cannot afford to leave half of our population behind. I urge my colleagues in parliament, leaders in education, and those in the tech industry to join forces and take meaningful action.

Samantha Niblett MP
Member of Parliament for South Derbyshire & Founder of Labour: Women in Tech