UK Launches New Taskforce to Close Gender Gap in Tech, Boost Economic Growth
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The UK government has established a Women in Tech Taskforce aimed at addressing systemic barriers preventing women from thriving in the technology sector, a move officials say is critical to unlocking billions in lost economic potential.
The taskforce, comprised of leading figures from across the tech ecosystem, will focus on dismantling obstacles to women’s participation and advancement, following a recent government-backed Lovelace report that revealed the UK economy is losing between £2 billion and £3.5 billion annually due to women leaving the tech industry or shifting to different roles.
“Technology should work for everyone,” stated the UK’s technology secretary, Liz Kendall. “That is why I have established the Women in Tech Taskforce, to break down the barriers that still hold too many people back, and to partner with industry on practical solutions that make a real difference. This matters deeply to me. When women are inspired to take on a role in tech and have a seat at the table, the sector can make more representative decisions, build products that serve everyone, and unlock the innovation and growth our economy needs.”
The Scale of the Challenge
Currently, women comprise approximately 22% of the UK’s technology workforce – a figure that has seen only marginal improvement in the last five years. The Lovelace report further highlighted a concerning trend: between 40,000 and 60,000 women are leaving digital roles each year, either for other positions within the tech sector or by exiting the industry altogether.
A key driver of this attrition is a perceived lack of career advancement opportunities. Research indicates that inflexible work arrangements and unconscious bias also contribute to both preventing women from entering the field and influencing their decisions to leave. The problem extends to early education, with many girls opting out of technology-related subjects in school due to misconceptions about the skills required for a successful career in tech.
A Diverse Group of Leaders to Drive Change
The taskforce is spearheaded by Anne-Marie Imafidon, founder and CEO of Stemettes, and includes a diverse range of experts:
- Liz Kendall, secretary of state for science, innovation and technology.
- Anne-Marie Imafidon, founder of Stemettes; Women in Tech Envoy.
- Allison Kirkby, CEO, BT Group.
- Anna Brailsford, CEO and co-founder, Code First Girls.
- Francesca Carlesi, CEO, Revolut.
- Louise Archer, academic, Institute of Education.
- Karen Blake, tech inclusion strategist; former co-CEO of the Tech Talent Charter.
- Sue Daley, director tech and Innovation, TechUK.
- Vinous Ali, deputy executive director, StartUp Coalition.
- Charlene Hunter, founder, Coding Black Females.
- Hayaatun Sillem, CEO, Royal Academy of Engineering.
- Kate Bell, assistant general secretary, TUC.
- Amelia Miller, co-founder and CEO, ivee.
- Ismini Vasileiou, director, East Midlands Cyber Security Cluster.
- Emma O’Dwyer, director of public policy, Uber.
These leaders will collaborate to “identify and dismantle” barriers across education, training, and career progression. They will also focus on fostering diversity within the UK’s tech ecosystem and replicating the successes of companies that have already achieved gender parity in their tech divisions.
Collaboration is Key to Sustainable Progress
Experts agree that sustained change requires a collaborative approach. The taskforce will advise the government on policy while simultaneously consulting with industry and educational institutions to develop strategies for attracting and retaining more women in tech. This initiative will complement existing government programs, including the recently launched TechFirst skills programme and the Regional Tech Booster programme, designed to encourage participation in technology careers among both women and young people.
The inaugural meeting of the Women in Tech Taskforce was held on December 15, 2025, signaling a commitment to addressing this critical issue and unlocking the full potential of the UK’s technology sector.
