UK Unveils Taskforce to Smash Barriers for Women in Tech

The UK government has launched a groundbreaking taskforce dedicated to empowering women in the tech sector, aiming to break down barriers and increase diversity. Led by technology secretary Liz Kendall, the Women in Tech group brings together prominent female leaders to advise the government on boosting economic growth and representation in the industry.

According to the BBC, the taskforce was launched in response to the alarming 78% gender gap in the UK tech sector, with women making up only 22% of IT specialist roles. This stark statistic was highlighted by the Chartered Institute for IT, BCS, which recently reported that women accounted for only 22% of those working in IT specialist roles in the UK.

The Women in Tech group contains some of the most prominent women in UK tech, including Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, BT Group boss Allison Kirkby, and Dr Hayaatun Sillem. The group will advise the government on how to boost diversity and economic growth in the industry, with the ultimate goal of helping women "enter, stay and lead" in the UK tech sector.

Technology secretary Liz Kendall emphasized the importance of the taskforce, stating, "We need to break down the barriers that still exist for women in tech, and this taskforce will help us do just that." According to the BBC, the taskforce will work to identify and address the systemic barriers that prevent women from entering and succeeding in the tech industry.

The launch of the Women in Tech taskforce comes as the UK government seeks to boost economic growth and increase diversity in the tech sector. With the tech industry playing an increasingly important role in the UK's economy, the government is under pressure to address the significant gender gap that exists in the sector.

According to the BBC, the taskforce will provide a platform for women in tech to share their experiences and expertise, and to advise the government on how to create a more inclusive and diverse industry. The group will also work to identify best practices and policies that can be implemented to increase diversity and representation in the tech sector.

The Women in Tech taskforce is a significant step towards addressing the gender gap in the UK tech sector. With the support of prominent female leaders and the guidance of technology secretary Liz Kendall, the taskforce is well-positioned to make a meaningful impact and create a more inclusive and diverse industry.

In a statement, Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, a member of the taskforce, said, "I am thrilled to be part of this taskforce and to have the opportunity to contribute to the development of policies and initiatives that will help to increase diversity and representation in the tech sector."