Gender inequality is one of the greatest challenges facing the tech sector and one that we need to tackle collectively as an industry. Our Chief of Staff, Janet Coulthurst, reflects on the urgency to rethink leadership and break barriers for women working in the sector. Janet also speaks with Roxy Stafford, Programme & Events Manager at Manchester Digital, about the EnableHER: Leaning into Leadership Programme. The fully-funded initiative, sponsored by 6point6 | Part of Accenture, is not your typical leadership programme and focuses instead on valuing difference rather than trying to fit into a man’s world.  

Changing technology from within

We live in exceptional times. Technology powers our daily lives in ways we never could have previously imagined. Innovations like AI are disrupting the art of the possible. It’s expected that AI capabilities will increase by 1,000 per cent a year – a mind boggling amount that has the potential to transform our world and benefit humanity in ways we can’t yet understand. 

We have some of the best minds creating incredible things, yet we are failing to apply innovation to how we tackle the diversity gap within tech. Women still account for a mere 26% of the UK tech workforce. PwC estimates just 5% of leadership positions in the technology sector are held by women. Gender inequality remains one of the most pressing issues within data science and AI professions – and sadly, we’re already seeing the detrimental impact of the gender data gap on today’s AI outputs. Our research has demonstrated significant evidence of gender bias in the outputs of today’s text-based generative AI tools. It’s time to stop tinkering around the edges and focus on tangible action that will make a difference, or we risk waiting almost 300 years before women make up an equal share of the tech workforce.  

Unprecedented times call for a different type of leadership. Women face barriers in the tech sector because of structural inequalities – not because they’re not skilled or qualified enough. So, rather than preparing women to live in a man’s world, we have an opportunity to disrupt the status quo of how leaders act and behave. This is why we’ve partnered with Digital Her, a nationally-acclaimed social enterprise powered by Manchester Digital. Sponsoring their innovative EnableHER: Leaning into Leadership Programme is providing twenty women across Greater Manchester with access to fully-funded places on this six-month course. EnableHER is about stepping away from traditional power-based leadership models to explore alternative approaches that value empathy and influence – prioritising not just the ‘how’ but the ‘why’ behind leadership. It’s not about moulding women into a prescribed leadership type or model, but helping them to find their voice and lead with authenticity and purpose. 

We need to do everything we can as an industry to attract, retain and promote female talent. Gender inequality doesn’t just hamper our creativity and capabilities as a sector – it also stunts our growth as an industry. We know that there is a shortage of talent that will only get worse until we commit to and invest in creating long-term change. 

In Roxy’s own words – Programme & Events Manager at Manchester Digital  

The tech sector is not a level playing field for women. The findings of our 2023 Digital Skills Audit shows that the dial isn’t shifting significantly or fast enough. While there are many wider societal, historic and cultural issues at play, the choice for us is whether to acknowledge that and do nothing, or roll up our sleeves and play our part.  

I’ve seen a really positive shift over the last few years where tech companies are taking active and practical steps. Organisations today have a much better understanding of what they must do to proactively drive change. An important action I’ve seen companies take is examining their hiring practices and making changes to incorporate more transparency throughout every stage of the recruitment process. A recent report I read highlighted that women are more hesitant to apply for roles if they don’t meet all the criteria. Understanding how different underrepresented groups approach job applications differently and tailoring your process accordingly is key to making your talent acquisition strategy more inclusive by design. 

Beyond recruiting great talent, organisations need to also focus on long-term career journeys and plan proactively to upskill their existing staff. If you’re not looking at where your employees’ careers might be in two to three years, you run the risk of losing great talent. Start mapping for that and looking at upskilling them and enriching their professional development. Build visible progression paths for everyone in the business to increase retention and leverage your best people. 

A great path to tech leadership

Being involved with our Digital Her initiative sends a positive message that you want to be part of the long-term solution. I’m really excited about the launch of our new EnableHER: Leaning into Leadership programme, which is more than your run-of-the-mill training. EnableHER is about building your self-awareness and confidence, navigating the nuances of leadership and finding your voice. This programme is offering a combination of structured workshops and networking opportunities. The current cohort of 20 women are connecting with some of Manchester’s tech trailblazers sharing their real-world insights and meeting with other women who truly get it.

Rather than the usual one-day workshops, we are rolling out a flexible programme to fit around other commitments which is exploring crucial topics like personal and professional resilience and the power of empathy. Through interactive sessions and a leadership style assessment, women on the programme are gaining valuable insights into their strengths and how to leverage them effectively. It’s also about boosting confidence and building networks, providing them with a practical blueprint to become a transformational leader – and that’s something I would have benefited from 10 years ago when I was trying to get through that gap.

EnableHER is a game changer that’s supporting women to thrive as leaders in tech. It’s time to break down those barriers and create a more diverse tech leadership. Want to be part of the movement? Visit the Digital Her website to find out more.

About Roxy Stafford

As Programme & Events Manager, Roxy is at the helm of Manchester Digital’s dynamic events and programmes. From the vibrant Digital Her initiative to the bustling Digital Skills Festival, she lives and breathes creativity. From a young age, Roxy has been a passionate advocate for equality. She firmly believes that a diverse, inclusive workforce is the key to a brighter future and champions this cause through all things Digital Her. 

About Digital Her 

Digital Her’s mission is to help end gender inequality in the technology sector. Powered by Manchester Digital, the Digital Her initiative inspires and encourages women across Greater Manchester to pursue careers in digital and support women already working in tech to thrive.