The trade body highlights that women remain noticeably under-represented in the high-tech sector. It says this is both a pressing challenge and a major opportunity for growth.
“Delivering this vision will take more than just women’s participation,” says Jillian Hughes, Head of Semiconductors at TechWorks and co-founder, pictured below. “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.”
Aims
Specifically, the Women in TechWorks initiative will have four main aims.
First is to champion the recruitment and retention of women in technology and engineering. It will also raise awareness of the many opportunities available to women in the sector.
Thirdly, says TechWorks, the new initiative will promote the achievements and contributions of women at every level in the industry. And finally, help accelerate career pathways across technical, functional, business, and leadership roles.
Women in TechWorks
Part of Women in TechWorks’ content will be open to all. For example, its TechTalks and careers promotion activities.
Other, specific career development activities and support elements, will be exclusive to members in the TechWorks Connected-Communities. For example, AESIN, DESN, IoTSF, NMI, or TechWorks-AI. These networks cover the sectors of semiconductors, embedded systems, cybersecurity and future compute/AI.
Women in TechWorks was officially launched yesterday at the annual IoTSF and TechWorks-AI conferences, which were held at the IET. They are part of TechWork’s programme of activities to advance knowledge sharing and support professional growth across the UK technology sector.
Testimonials
Adding their support were voices from Cadence, Nexperia and Jaltek, among others.
“Being part of Women in TechWorks means belonging to a community where voices, ideas, and ambitions are amplified,” said Madhuparna Datta, Application Engineering Director, Cadence & UKESF Board Trustee.
“For me, it’s not just about representation,” she continued. “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.”
Elizabeth Smithies – Senior Quality Lab Manager at Nexperia – added:
“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.”
“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,” said Claire Mackay, Business Development Manager at Jaltek.
Image: TechWorks
See also: Women step forward and celebrate
