Latest ONS figures show women make up 31% of staff in the wider technology industry. The proportion is lower for software developers, web design professionals and data analysts, making up just 18% of staff.
Zoe Thomas, 29, from Caerphilly, felt like she needed a new challenge but never thought she could work with computers.
“I never thought I could do it but it’s honestly the best decision I’ve ever made,” said Zoe.
“Because I studied media, psychology and English at A-level I just didn’t think I’d end up here,” explained Zoe, who works for Veygo Insurance in Cardiff.
“I now help make the website function, adding features and sorting any problems that arise, and I really love it.”
It’s vital that more women like Zoe work in the technology sector and become leaders in technology.
Admiral’s Director of IT, Christine Theodore explained the sector is so fast growing it is vital more women enter the industry: “These continue to be the skills of the future,” she said. “People shouldn’t shy away from it, these skills can be taught.
“I’ve been in IT for most of my professional life and I feel really passionate that women can definitely be in leadership positions.”
Admiral has collaborated with several companies to appeal to more women, including Code First Girls which works with over 100 businesses across the UK to teach women to code, including Zoe.
Code First Girls CEO Anna Brailsford said there was a danger “labelling” girls in school could have a detrimental effect on their confidence.
Girls outperform boys in IT at both A-level and GCSE, a Welsh government-commissioned report found, but far fewer girls choose to study the subject.
Aisha Arshad, 32, from Barry in the Vale of Glamorgan, has always worked in IT and studied it as an A-level at school.
She now works in coding for Admiral, collating information so performance can be analysed.
“When I tell people about my job I often hear ‘oh, it’s a very male-dominated career’,” she said.
“But I love it. It’s not the same boring thing day in day out,” she explained. “I’m doing one thing one day, and then completely different problem-solving the next day.”
