The UK’s global position in technology depends on building and sustaining the strongest workforce possible. Yet, women remain noticeably under-represented in the tech sector – highlighting both a pressing challenge and a major opportunity for growth. In response, TechWorks is proud to announce the launch of Women in TechWorks, a member-led initiative set to raise awareness, celebrate achievement, accelerate career progression, and support women in tech at every stage of their journey.
With its unique position hosting a number of the UK’s leading technology communities, TechWorks is set to leverage its extensive network of members and stakeholders to deliver lasting impact. The Women in TechWorks initiative will:
- Champion the recruitment and retention of women in technology and engineering.
- Raise awareness of the many opportunities available to women in the sector.
- Promote the achievements and contributions of women at every level.
- Accelerate career pathways across technical, functional, business, and leadership roles.
Career development in tech is not just about getting women into the sector – it’s also about helping them stay and thrive. Supporting women throughout their careers, and especially retaining their valuable skills, is at the heart of the Women in TechWorks’ initiative as it delivers mentoring, professional networking, and programmes targeted on each stage of the career journey.
Delivering this vision will take more than just women’s participation. As Jillian Hughes, Head of Semiconductors at TechWorks and co-founder, states, “Women in TechWorks is not just for women – men are needed to support its goals. Real progress will come as we work together to grow and strengthen the sector for all participants.”
Part of Women in TechWorks’ content – such as its TechTalks and careers promotion activities – will be open to all, reflecting a commitment to broad awareness and engagement. Specific career development activities and support elements will be exclusive to members across the TechWorks Connected-Communities: AESIN, DESN, IoTSF, NMI, or TechWorks-AI. These networks combined cover the sectors of semiconductors, embedded systems, cybersecurity and future compute/AI.
Women in TechWorks was officially launched yesterday at the annual IoTSF and TechWorks-AI premier conferences held at the IET, which form part of TechWorks’ high-quality programme of activities to advance collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth across the UK technology sector.
Whether you’re looking to get involved, support a colleague, or start your own journey, TechWorks invites you to connect today. For more information and to join the network, see https://techworks.org.uk/women-in-techworks/ or make contact at witw@techworks.org.uk.