Despite high confidence levels and passion for their work, women in the UK tech sector continue to face systemic career barriers that hinder their progression, according to Lorien’s Women in Tech Insights report.
The report, which surveyed women currently working in technology, found that only 25 percent feel they always have equal opportunities for career advancement. While more than a third (32 percent) believe they only occasionally, rarely, or never do, compared to male colleagues.
Although 75 percent of women rate their workplace as inclusive, the data highlights deeper structural issues:
- Only 29 percent of women feel completely represented in leadership.
- Work-life balance (45 percent) and gender bias (27 percent) are the most significant challenges women in tech face.
- Over half (54 percent) of women believe that women are often discouraged from pursuing a career in tech, showing that barriers begin long before entering the workforce.
- 29 percent of women have avoided or turned down roles due to a company’s lack of diversity.
- Professional support networks (58 percent) and strong female leadership representation (54 percent) are critical in attracting female talent.
The business impact of inaction
The report underscores that gender diversity is not just a social issue but a business-critical one. Fifity-six percent of women say an equal gender balance would significantly impact their decision to join a company, while strong representation of women in leadership (54 percent) and evidence of equality initiatives (51 percent) are also major factors.
With nearly half (48 percent) of women entering the industry due to a passion for technology, Lorien’s report underscores the need for companies to foster better inclusion policies, expand mentorship and training programs, and improve gender representation in leadership.
“These findings make it clear that companies cannot afford to be passive about gender diversity in tech,” said Annelise Smith, managing director, workforce solutions, Impellam Group. “Women are confident and capable, yet systemic barriers continue to hold them back. Businesses that fail to address these issues risk losing top talent to competitors who prioritise inclusion and equal opportunity.”
Time for action
Lorien’s report outlines key actions companies can take to improve gender diversity in tech, including:
- Expanding mentorship and sponsorship programs to support women’s career progression.
- Strengthening policies that promote leadership opportunities for women.
- Implementing clear strategies to tackle work-life balance challenges.
