Guest blog discussing AND Digital’s report into the experience of women working in technology.
The landscape of women in technology is as inspiring as it is complex. While 90% of women find their careers rewarding, an equally striking 90% have encountered gender bias. This stark contrast lies at the heart of our latest research, which delves into the multifaceted experiences of women in tech.
Based on a comprehensive survey of over 200 women leaders in technology, this report is proudly endorsed by pioneering advocate Dame Stephanie Shirley CH. In an exclusive interview with Dame Stephanie Shirley CH, she reflects on her remarkable journey in tech and poses key questions about the current state of the industry: “Why are we still in this situation?” Her insights not only share the progress made but also challenge us to confront the ongoing barriers that women face.
Key findings of the report include:
High Job Satisfaction: Nearly 90% of women express genuine love for their jobs, with 80% feeling successful in their roles.
Persistent Challenges: A concerning 90% have faced gender bias, and over 60% have experienced gender discrimination in various forms throughout their careers.
Underrepresentation: Women currently hold only 24% of tech roles and a mere 5% of leadership positions, highlighting the ongoing disparity in the workforce.
A Dual Experience: Passion for Work Amid Bias
Despite their profound passion and notable successes, women in tech are often forced to navigate a landscape rife with challenges. The sector promises substantial financial and intellectual rewards; however, the underrepresentation of women and the persistent issues of bias and discrimination present significant hurdles that must be overcome.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Women in tech frequently exhibit a level of resilience that their male counterparts may not need to develop. Nearly 80% report encountering obstacles in their leadership journeys, particularly within larger enterprises. While job satisfaction remains high, the necessity for resilience persists, underscoring the duality of their experiences.
AND Digital's Commitment to Women in Tech
At AND Digital, we are deeply committed to supporting women in technology through various initiatives, including the AND She Can programme and the Digital Skills Forum. Our ‘Rewards & Resilience’ report represents a pivotal step in our mission to close the digital skills gap and uplift women in tech.
Wendy Stonefield, London Hub Executive at AND Digital, emphasises, "While we've made tremendous strides in promoting female talent, genuine cultural change is essential to fully embrace diversity and inclusion in the tech industry."
Download the Report
Join us in exploring the complex experiences of women in tech leadership roles in our 2024 'Rewards & Resilience' report. With Dame Stephanie Shirley’s endorsement and her thought-provoking reflections, this report is a catalyst for important conversations about the future of women in technology.
Author: Rachel Johnson, Client Marketing Lead, AND Digital
Check out more insights from techUK's TechTogethercampaign celebrating, spotlighting and promoting all forms of diversity and inclusion in the tech industry here.
Skills, Talent and Diversity Programme activities
techUK work with our members to signpost the opportunity of digital jobs and ensure these opportunities are open to people of diverse backgrounds. We strive to help our members attract, recruit, and retain a diverse workforce, whilst showcasing their work on workplace innovation. Visit the programme page here
Survey: How do parents and guardians in the tech sector view education and work?
We are excited to invite you to participate in our latest survey, asking parents and guardians working in tech what the future of work holds for their children and how well our education system is preparing them for the jobs and labour market of tomorrow.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Nimmi Patel is the Head of Skills, Talent and Diversity at techUK. She works on all things skills, education, and future of work policy, focusing on upskilling and retraining. Nimmi is also an Advisory Board member of Digital Futures at Work Research Centre (digit). The Centre research aims to increase understanding of how digital technologies are changing work and the implications for employers, workers, job seekers and governments.
Prior to joining the techUK team, she worked for the UK Labour Party and New Zealand Labour Party, and holds an MA in Strategic Communications at King’s College London and BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Manchester. She is currently taking part in the 2024-25 University of Bath Institute for Policy Research Policy Fellowship Programme.
Jake has been the Policy Manager for Skills and Future of Work since May 2022, supporting techUK's work to empower the UK to skill, attract and retain the brightest global talent, and prepare for the digital transformations of the future workplace.
Previously, Jake was the Programme Assistant for Policy. He joined techUK in March 2019 and has also worked across the EU Exit, International Trade, and Cloud, Data Analytics and AI programmes.
He also holds an MA in International Relations from the University of Sussex, as well as a BA(Hons) in International Politics from Aberystwyth University. During his time at Aberystwyth University, he won the International Politics Dissertation Prize.
Nimmi Patel is the Head of Skills, Talent and Diversity at techUK. She works on all things skills, education, and future of work policy, focusing on upskilling and retraining. Nimmi is also an Advisory Board member of Digital Futures at Work Research Centre (digit). The Centre research aims to increase understanding of how digital technologies are changing work and the implications for employers, workers, job seekers and governments.
Prior to joining the techUK team, she worked for the UK Labour Party and New Zealand Labour Party, and holds an MA in Strategic Communications at King’s College London and BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Manchester. She is currently taking part in the 2024-25 University of Bath Institute for Policy Research Policy Fellowship Programme.
Antony Walker is deputy CEO of techUK, which he played a lead role in launching in November 2013.
Antony is a member of the senior leadership team and has overall responsibility for techUK’s policy work. Prior to his appointment in July 2012 Antony was chief executive of the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), the UK’s independent advisory group on broadband policy. Antony was closely involved in the development of broadband policy development in the UK since the BSG was established in 2001 and authored several major reports to government. He also led the development of the UK’s world leading Open Internet Code of Practice that addresses the issue of net neutrality in the UK. Prior to setting up the BSG, Antony spent six years working in Brussels for the American Chamber of Commerce following and writing about telecoms issues and as a consultant working on EU social affairs and environmental issues. Antony is a graduate of Aberdeen University and KU Leuven and is also a Policy Fellow Alumni of the Centre for Science and Policy at Cambridge University.
Jake has been the Policy Manager for Skills and Future of Work since May 2022, supporting techUK's work to empower the UK to skill, attract and retain the brightest global talent, and prepare for the digital transformations of the future workplace.
Previously, Jake was the Programme Assistant for Policy. He joined techUK in March 2019 and has also worked across the EU Exit, International Trade, and Cloud, Data Analytics and AI programmes.
He also holds an MA in International Relations from the University of Sussex, as well as a BA(Hons) in International Politics from Aberystwyth University. During his time at Aberystwyth University, he won the International Politics Dissertation Prize.
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