I’ve never quite understood the perception that technology is not a sector that appeals to women. It’s strange. For me, technology and everything it represents is exciting and dynamic - a real enabler for tangible improvements in everything from communications to shopping and entertainment, healthcare and education – every aspect of life. Perhaps that’s why my career took the route it did. After joining The Carphone Warehouse Group in 2000, I played a key role in launching TalkTalk - where I am now CEO - in 2003. Yet, in the UK, just 27 percent of those employed in the digital industries are women. While, for those in leadership positions, the pool is even smaller, with women holding just a sixth of senior roles at top UK companies across the board. I can't think of a better time to point this out than today - International Women in Engineering Day, which is dedicated to highlighting the opportunities for women in science, engineering and technology and addressing the female skills shortage in these areas. Being a “woman in tech” is something I’m incredibly proud of but I look forward to a time where it is no longer a label I wear, because women are no longer in the minority.
TalkTalk CEO Tristia Harrison has called for more female tech experts to be featured in the media , and for education to be made more creative , among other things , to encourage more girls and women to consider a career in the tech industry . Speaking to the Independent , Harrison said she did not want to be labelled as a " woman in tech " and looked forward to the time when women were no longer a minority in the industry .