Despite notable progress, women remain underrepresented in STEM careers in the UK. While they account for around 24% of the workforce in these sectors, the numbers vary widely depending on the field. But change is happening. Dedicated conferences, hackathons, mentoring programmes and scholarships are becoming real drivers of visibility, empowerment and career advancement for female engineers, scientists, and developers.
Recent news reinforcing the movement
The UK Budget 2025, recently announced, includes a £45 million allocation to boost female participation in scientific and technological careers. This measure is accompanied by increased funding for organisations such as Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) and STEM Learning UK, both of which regularly organise high-impact events.
Another key highlight: Tech Show London, held in March 2025, showcased women in cybersecurity, AI and data science. With more than 10,000 attendees and a dedicated pavilion for female-led tech careers, the event marked a milestone in industry inclusion.
Why tailored events are game-changers
Women in STEM often face recurring obstacles: unconscious bias, lack of role models, and isolation in male-dominated teams.
Specialised events play a crucial role in breaking these barriers. They offer:
- opportunities to meet diversity-focused employers,
- one-to-one mentoring and coaching sessions,
- practical workshops (e.g. AI, full stack development, technical leadership),
- a supportive environment to grow a professional network.
Key events that boost STEM careers for women in the UK
Several events have become unmissable for women in science and tech. Here are a few standout examples:
Women of Silicon Roundabout
Held in London, this event draws over 7,000 tech professionals each year. With 200+ talks and panels featuring leaders from Microsoft, Google and Amazon, it’s the perfect place to discover job openings, pitch a project or connect with peers.
Ada Lovelace Day Live
More than just a tribute to the computing pioneer, this event celebrates female achievement in science, engineering and applied research. It fosters inspiration and cross-generational knowledge sharing.
STEM Women Career Events
Hosted in cities like Manchester, Edinburgh and London, these events connect students and graduates with inclusive employers. The format is dynamic: rapid-fire meetings, live coaching, and high-impact short talks.
Inclusive hackathons
Initiatives like She Codes Hack and Code First: Girls regularly run coding competitions where women can showcase their skills, learn in teams, and attract attention from recruiters looking for top talent.
Unmissable opportunities for career development
Beyond in-person events, several UK-wide initiatives offer tangible career-building resources for women in STEM, such as:
- AI scholarships for women, funded by UKRI (UK Research and Innovation)
- “Tech Returners” programmes for women returning to tech after a career break
- University incubators for STEM students at institutions like Imperial College or Oxford University
- STEM ambassador networks within companies, offering peer mentorship and visibility
These schemes help women build confidence, upskill, and fast-track their careers.
A social and economic imperative
Investing in women in STEM is not just about equality-it’s an economic necessity. A McKinsey UK study estimates that closing the gender gap in tech could add over £150 billion to the UK economy by 2030. Companies with diverse teams are more innovative, agile, and resilient.
What’s more, women often bring a complementary perspective, especially in ethics and safety in AI, digital health, and cybersecurity.
How companies can amplify impact
To make a real difference, businesses must go beyond simply attending events. They can:
- sponsor women-focused STEM conferences,
- offer internships and training programmes designed for female talent,
- launch female leadership pathways in science and tech,
- promote female executives as public speakers and role models,
- adapt recruitment practices to better support diverse applicants.
Conclusion
The UK is at a pivotal moment for advancing women’s careers in STEM. Events, workshops, and tailored programmes are powerful tools for closing gender gaps, inspiring new generations, and building strong female leadership in science and technology.
By embracing these opportunities, women today can shape ambitious, impactful, and visible careers. And for companies, supporting this shift is not just the right thing to do-it’s a smart investment in future innovation and success.
