The British Computer Society (BCS) highlights concerns over slow progress in tech diversity.
- BCS projects that gender equality in tech may take 300 years at the current pace.
- Women comprise 51% of UK’s workforce but less than 25% in IT roles.
- The unemployment rate for female tech workers remains higher than for males.
- Cultural norms hinder the inclusion of women of colour, needing urgent attention.
The British Computer Society (BCS) has expressed alarm at the sluggish pace of progress towards achieving diversity in the tech industry. In recent discussions, Julia Adamson, managing director for public benefit at BCS, highlighted that the industry continues to grapple with the same issues around equal opportunities for women and ethnic minorities as it has for years.
Projections by BCS indicate that at the current rate of change, it could take up to 300 years to achieve gender parity within the tech sector. Adamson expressed her frustration, stating, “If we carry on at the rate, we’ll all be dead and buried by then,” emphasising the urgent need for accelerated progress.
The BCS report reveals that, despite women making up 51% of the UK’s working-age population, they represent less than a quarter of the IT workforce. Furthermore, the unemployment rate for women in tech stands at 2.5%, higher than the 1.8% for their male counterparts, although both figures are below the national average for women across all sectors, which is 3.8%.
The representation of women in tech is improving but remains insufficient. Adamson remarked on the rising presence of women in tech professions, “Women have got more roots in [tech] and we are seeing more women in the profession, and that’s great but it’s not quick enough.”
Charlene Hunter, CEO of Coding Black Females, underscored the particular challenges faced by women of colour in the industry. She pointed out the persistent ‘tech bro culture’ that exacerbates inequality, stating, “Women of colour, especially black women, can often be overlooked in the conversation. Their inclusion needs more consistent focus.”
Hunter also noted that while diversity is being acknowledged, the hiring focus on ‘cultural fit’ often perpetuates exclusionary norms. Blind recruitment and flexible working policies have been suggested as effective methods to combat these imbalances.
Achieving true diversity in tech demands urgent, tangible action to address deeply rooted inequalities.
