The UK’s global position in technology depends on building and sustaining the strongest workforce possible. Yet, women remain noticeably under-represented in the tech sector—highlighting both a pressing challenge and a major opportunity for growth. In response, TechWorks is proud to announce the launch of Women in TechWorks, a member-led initiative set to raise awareness, celebrate achievement, accelerate career progression, and support women in tech at every stage of their journey.

With its unique position hosting a number of the UK’s leading technology communities, TechWorks is set to leverage its extensive network of members and stakeholders to deliver lasting impact. The Women in TechWorks initiative will:

• Champion the recruitment and retention of women in technology and engineering.
• Raise awareness of the many opportunities available to women in the sector.
• Promote the achievements and contributions of women at every level.
• Accelerate career pathways across technical, functional, business, and leadership roles.

Career development in tech is not just about getting women into the sector—it’s also about helping them stay and thrive. Supporting women throughout their careers, and especially retaining their valuable skills, is at the heart of the Women in TechWorks’ initiative as it delivers mentoring, professional networking, and programmes targeted on each stage of the career journey.

Delivering this vision will take more than just women’s participation. As Jillian Hughes, Head of Semiconductors at TechWorks and co-founder, states:
“Women in TechWorks is not just for women—men are needed to support its goals. Real progress will come as we work together to grow and strengthen the sector for all participants.”

Part of Women in TechWorks’ content—such as its TechTalks and careers promotion activities—will be open to all, reflecting a commitment to broad awareness and engagement. Specific career development activities and support elements will be exclusive to members across the TechWorks Connected-Communities: AESIN, DESN, IoTSF, NMI, or TechWorks-AI. These networks combined cover the sectors of semiconductors, embedded systems, cybersecurity and future compute/AI.

Women in TechWorks was officially launched on October 30th 2025 at the annual IoTSF and TechWorks-AI premier conferences held at the IET, which form part of TechWorks’ high-quality programme of activities to advance collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional growth across the UK technology sector.

Call to Action

Whether you’re looking to get involved, support a colleague, or start your own journey, TechWorks invites you to connect today. For more information and to join the network, see https://techworks.org.uk/women-in-techworks/ or make contact at witw@techworks.org.uk.

Supporting Quotes

I hope by being involved in Woman in TechWorks, I can help inspire the next generation of females into semiconductors. I continue to have an amazing career in a sector that has given me amazing opportunities, I would love other females to experience and grow in the sector as I have.
Jen Walls – CEO, Clas-Sic Wafer Fab

We need to create more role models and bring more women into tech so that younger generations have someone to look up to and be inspired, because of this and many more reasons we at microTECH are proud to partner with Women in TechWorks.
Jon Michaels – Director, microTECH global Ltd – Founding Sponsor of Women in TechWorks

Being part of Women in TechWorks means belonging to a community where voices, ideas, and ambitions are amplified. For me, it’s not just about representation — it’s about creating pathways, breaking barriers, and making sure the next generation of women in tech sees possibility, not limitation. It matters because when women thrive in technology, innovation thrives with us.
Madhuparna Datta, Application Engineering Director (Cadence) & UKESF Board Trustee

Women in TechWorks matters because it’s real support for women in tech — not just the ones who’ve had mentors or formal training, but also those like me who’ve had to figure it out alone. I want to be part of it because I’ve lived that journey, and I know how valuable it is to hear from someone who’s been through it without a roadmap. I believe sharing that experience and supporting other women can help them feel seen and know they’re not the only ones trying to find their way.
Elizabeth Smithies – Senior Quality Lab Manager, Nexperia

I’m a part of Women in TechWorks because my experience, skills, voice and presence matter – not just for my own growth, but for helping to shape a more balanced future where tech works for everyone
Claire Mackay – Business Development Manager, Jaltek

Connection – Women in TechWorks is connection, to peers, to technical experts, to pioneers, to leaders from all walks of Tech. It paves the way to learn from others, share our journeys and as we together walk to a stronger, more diverse, innovative future.
Kerry Abrams – Technical Manager, Nexperia

I am part of Women in TechWorks because it is fundamental that women leaders stand up and come together as allies. Sharing knowledge and making the changes we want to showcase our industry as a great place to work is what drives me… everyone has a voice, we just need the platform!
Anna Gilbert – Design Engineering Director, Cadence

I am part of Women in TechWorks because I am committed to addressing the underrepresentation of women across our industry and I believe this group will be the driver of key initiatives that will help to close the gap.
Sarah Casey – Commercial Marketer, NXP

I am passionate about the semiconductor industry, but it’s still very lacking in women and diversity. I hope to inspire and make a difference to current and future generations as a more inviting and welcoming industry. Nothing changes if nothing changes.
Jenna Hushka – Senior Sales Executive, Flexciton

About Women in TechWorks

Women in TechWorks inspires, supports, and connects women across the technology value chain, fostering professional networks, showcasing role models, providing mentorship, and engaging current and future generations through collaborative initiatives and events.
https://techworks.org.uk/women-in-techworks/