Westminster empowers young women to explore technology careers at Girl Tech experience day

Girl Tech was founded in 2018 by social value specialist Ahead Partnership to motivate young women to consider careers in the technology and digital sectors. Through collaboration with leading organisations such as Netcompany, the programme connects girls aged 12–14 with diverse role models, helping to challenge misconceptions and tackle gender imbalances across the industry.

Supported by partners and employers including Netcompany, the initiative has grown to reach five cities across the UK, widening access to career insights and opportunities. The latest London event, held on 4 June at the University of Westminster’s Zone29 and Marylebone Campus, highlighted the University’s ongoing commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion by encouraging young women to explore their potential within the tech and digital landscape.

During the event, students from City of London Academy Highbury Grove and Mulberry Academy took part in interactive design sprints and engaged with representatives from global technology and digital organisations. They also heard from female leaders who shared personal insights into their career journeys. Contributors from organisations, including Netcompany, Accenture, Federated Hermes, Serac and Amazon Web Services, demonstrated the breadth of roles available and showcased a variety of pathways into the sector.

Simay Sali Sevik, Development Manager at the University of Westminster, said: "One of the most inspiring aspects of Girl Tech was seeing young women engage with industry professionals and begin to recognise other career options within the technology sector. At the University of Westminster, social mobility and widening participation are at the heart of what we do, and we are proud to provide opportunities that help break down barriers and broaden horizons. We are grateful to Ahead Partnership, Netcompany and all the volunteers who gave their time to inspire the next generation of female innovators and leaders."

Suzie Bell, Programme Manager at Ahead Partnership, said: “As one of the fastest growing and most opportune sectors in the UK, we need to ensure young women are equipped with the right tools and knowledge to explore careers in tech at the right time in their academic journey.

“Against unwavering gender disparity across the field and growing demand for new skills and talent, we give young women access to the right role models, information and resources ahead of making big decisions about their career pathways. We’re demystifying the sector in a way that ensures young women have equal access to the opportunities within it, no matter their background.”

Kate Watson, UK Social Value Lead at Netcompany, added: “Technology companies have a vested interest in developing the next generation of talent. At Netcompany, we design and deliver digital services that are used by millions of people, so the teams creating those services should reflect the diversity of the communities they serve. Girl Tech helps address the underrepresentation of women in tech by inspiring young people to consider careers in the sector. For us, this is about more than raising awareness; it is a long-term investment in the talent, skills and innovation capacity that will underpin both better digital services and the future success of the UK digital economy.”

The Girl Tech initiative directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 5: Gender Equality, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 17: Partnership for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.

To find out how individuals or organisations can collaborate with the University, contact Westminster’s Development Team.