Tech Diversity Progress “Too Slow,” Says British Computer Society 

In a recent report made by the British Computer Society, striving for equality among women in the technology sector is a glacially slow process and might take roughly 300 years to reach equal tech diversity representations.  

Despite efforts to build diversity and inclusion in tech, struggles with poor inclusion of women and ethnic minorities. Julia Adamson, managing director for public benefit at BCS, expressed dismay that so little was being done to address the problem.  

Speaking to UKTN, Adamson reflected on how the same conversations being had today around equal opportunities in tech were those that had been discussed several years ago.  

“We’re still having the same conversations we’ve been having for years,” she said. “Carry on at this rate and we’ll all be dead and buried by then.” 

A recent report from BCS revealed that although women make up 51% of the UK’s working-age population, they comprise less than a quarter of the UK’s IT workforce, highlighting the state of gender diversity in tech, where women continue to be underrepresented. The unemployment rate for women in technology is 2.5%, significantly higher than the 1.8% rate for men in the same sector. 

Despite these disparities, female unemployment in tech is still lower than the national average across all sectors for women, which stands at 3.8%. 

Impact on Women in Tech Diversity 

While the number of women entering the profession is creeping upward, Adamson conceded it is crawling along at a snail’s pace. “We are seeing more women in the profession, and that’s great, but it’s not quick enough,” she said.  

The ongoing lack of gender diversity in tech hampers the industry’s potential to innovate and grow. Adamson also noted that the number of unemployed women in tech diversity, combined with the many females discouraged from pursuing tech careers, could play a key role in addressing the industry’s ongoing shortage of digital skills. 

How Does Tech Suffer from a Lack of Gender Diversity?  

The underrepresentation of women means that valuable talent is left untapped, worsening the digital skills gap. Women’s inclusion in tech could be a crucial solution to the industry’s current challenges, yet barriers persist. 

That systemic inequality is even more significant for women of color, according to Charlene Hunter, CEO of Coding Black Females. “It’s this very ‘tech bro culture’ that has hit at the women of color, particularly Black women,” she said. “Their inclusion needs more consistent focus.”  

Hunter explained that diversity and inclusion jobs in tech are critical, but the industry’s continued obsession with hiring for “cultural fit” often reinforces the current imbalance. 

Although diversity drives are underway, they are not enough to overcome the deeply entrenched inequalities. Hunter pointed out that flexible working policies and blind recruitment practices have been beneficial, but so much more needs to be done if the intention is to make an inclusive environment for all women in technology. 

Addressing Diversity in Tech 

Closing the gender and the tech diversity gap is not only a matter of fairness but also essential for the future of the industry. The underrepresentation of women and minorities wastes valuable talent and contributes to the ongoing skills shortage. Improving diversity and inclusion in tech will not only benefit marginalized groups but also strengthen the sector by fostering innovation and diversity of thought. 

Without more aggressive action to address gender and diversity at major tech companies, the possibility of real change remains distant. “Without more aggressive action, however, real change might well be centuries away.” 

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