"UK Unveils Taskforce to Smash Tech's Female Glass Ceiling"

UK Launches Taskforce to Boost Women in Tech, Addressing Industry's Diversity Gap The UK government has launched a new taskforce aimed at breaking down barriers for women in the technology sector, a move that comes as the industry grapples with a significant diversity gap. According to the Chartered Institute for IT, women account for only 22% of those working in IT specialist roles in the UK. Led by technology secretary Liz Kendall, the Women in Tech group brings together some of the most prominent women in UK tech, including Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, BT Group boss Allison Kirkby, and Dr Hayaatun Sillem. The taskforce will advise the government on how to boost diversity and economic growth in the industry, with a focus on helping women "enter, stay and lead" in the tech sector. The launch of the taskforce follows a recent report by the BCS, which highlighted the stark lack of diversity in the UK tech industry. The report's findings have been echoed by Ms Kendall, who stated that the Women in Tech group will "break down the barriers that still exist" for women in tech. According to Ms Kendall, the taskforce will work to identify and address the systemic issues that prevent women from entering and succeeding in the industry. The taskforce's formation is a significant step towards addressing the industry's diversity gap, which has been a long-standing issue in the tech sector. According to the UK's tech industry, the lack of diversity is not only a moral imperative but also a business one, with diverse teams being more likely to drive innovation and economic growth. The Women in Tech group will be working closely with industry leaders and experts to identify solutions to the industry's diversity gap. Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon, a member of the taskforce, has expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that "this is a critical moment for the tech industry to take action and create a more inclusive and diverse sector." The taskforce's next steps will be to conduct a thorough analysis of the industry's diversity gap and identify actionable solutions to address it. According to Ms Kendall, the taskforce will be working closely with industry leaders and experts to develop a comprehensive plan to boost diversity and economic growth in the tech sector. The launch of the Women in Tech taskforce marks a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and diverse tech industry in the UK. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, it is clear that addressing the diversity gap will be critical to its long-term success. In a statement, Ms Kendall emphasized the importance of the taskforce's work, stating that "we need to break down the barriers that still exist for women in tech and create a more inclusive and diverse sector. This taskforce will play a critical role in helping us achieve that goal."