What if the future of science and technology in the UK was written by women? As the industry undergoes deep transformation, women are organising, speaking up, and increasingly stepping into key positions across STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). At the forefront of this shift are powerful collaborative networks boosting the visibility and legitimacy of female talent in sectors historically dominated by men.
Progress in motion
Just last month, UK Science Minister Michelle Donelan announced a new gender equality strategy in STEM, aiming to double the number of women in science and technical roles by 2030. The move follows a series of concerning reports revealing that only 26% of STEM positions in the UK are currently held by women.
At the same time, several tech companies have signed on to the “Tech Talent Charter,” a public-private partnership promoting inclusive culture within the digital workforce. These institutional efforts support a deeper movement already in progress, led by women’s networks now acting as true agents of change.
STEM: still an unequal landscape
Despite a decade of efforts to encourage girls into science, the gender gap remains visible at every stage:
- Fewer girls choose science subjects at A-level.
- Women remain underrepresented in engineering and computer science degrees.
- Gender stereotypes continue to influence choices from school to career paths.
This underrepresentation creates a vicious cycle: fewer female role models means less appeal for the next generation.
Women’s networks: engines of transformation
To break this cycle, one solution is gaining strong traction: collaborative women’s networks. Created by women, for women, these communities provide vital support, mentorship and visibility.
Among the most influential in the UK:
- Women in Tech UK – a platform hosting conferences, workshops and mentorship opportunities.
- STEMettes – a non-profit that inspires teenage girls through fun, hands-on STEM events.
- Tech She Can – a collective producing inclusive teaching materials and running nationwide school campaigns.
The impact is measurable: more female applications for STEM jobs, new pathways for career switchers, and greater media visibility for inspiring female professionals.
A diversity boost for business
Companies actively involved in these networks report multiple benefits:
- Improved team performance driven by more diverse perspectives.
- Stronger employer branding and greater appeal to young talent.
- A more inclusive company culture, helping to retain women long-term.
Some go further, developing in-house programs inspired by these networks: mentorship circles, reverse mentoring, and bias audits in hiring processes. Diversity is no longer a moral ideal it’s a strategy for innovation and growth.
A female future in STEM: a boost for the UK economy
The stakes go well beyond gender fairness. According to the McKinsey Global Institute, fully integrating women into tech sectors could add up to £150 billion to the UK economy by 2030.
This is not just potential, it’s urgent. To make this happen, stronger bridges must be built between public policies, private companies and grassroots women’s networks.
What still needs to change
Despite this momentum, several key obstacles remain:
- Lack of flexible working conditions, particularly affecting mothers.
- A culture of unconscious bias that undervalues women’s contributions.
- Persistent underrepresentation in decision-making roles.
Women’s networks can act as catalysts, but employers must also take responsibility: review pay equity, train managers, and implement measurable diversity goals.
A more balanced future in STEM is possible
The future of STEM in the UK depends on how well we support and elevate the untapped talent women represent. This won’t happen without collaborative networks that challenge systemic barriers while offering support, visibility and career development.
The momentum is there. It’s not perfect but it’s growing. If policymakers, companies and women leaders join forces, the UK could become a global model of inclusive innovation and set the standard for a truly diverse STEM landscape.
