Kathryn Scott, HR Director, Canon UK & Ireland on moves to close technology’s gender gap.
International Women’s Day provides a powerful moment to reflect on the positive impact women continue to have across the technology industry. But meaningful progress cannot be confined to a single day. It must form part of a sustained, long-term strategy embedded into organisational culture, leadership accountability and workforce planning.
At Canon UK & Ireland, diversity, equity and inclusion are guided by the philosophy of Kyosei – living and working together for the common good. This shapes how we approach gender equality in practice, not just in principle. A genuine commitment requires more than statements of intent. It demands continued action to attract female talent, develop future leaders and create environments where women can thrive.
From challenge to opportunity
Despite progress in recent years, a significant gender discrepancy remains within engineering and technology. Around 6.4 million people work in engineering and technology roles across the UK, representing roughly one fifth of the total workforce. Yet according to EngineeringUK only 16.9% of that workforce are women.
For candidates entering the industry, limited visible representation can feel isolating. For businesses, it represents a missed opportunity. As I’ve seen time and time again, diversity translates into positive business outcomes – including a stronger sense of belonging, better problem-solving capabilities, broader perspectives and greater resilience.
Pushing for progress
There are, however, encouraging signs of change. The increased use of digital collaboration platforms and social media has created more open professional communities, amplifying a wider range of voices across the sector. Conversations around inclusion have become more visible, and contributions from across gender lines are increasingly recognised.
It’s important that progress continues at pace. If the technology industry is to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals, sustained awareness and outreach are essential. Attracting new talent requires consistent visibility, clear career pathways and a conscious effort to challenge outdated perceptions of the sector.
The importance of proactive career support
Representation is only one part of the equation. While gender balance is gradually improving in parts of the technology sector, women remain underrepresented in senior leadership and decision-making roles.
Retention and progression are therefore critical. Without clear pathways to advancement, organisations risk losing experienced talent before they reach positions of influence. Proactively nurturing development from an early stage and supporting progression into leadership helps build a workforce ready for the future.
When senior figures actively champion inclusion and lead by example, they create space for the next generation of empowered women in technology to step forward.”
From my experience, creating an environment where individuals feel empowered to seek support, explore new opportunities and take on leadership responsibility is fundamental to closing the gender gap at senior levels over time. Mentorship, structured development programmes and clear progression pathways all play a role in enabling this growth.
Encouraging women to pursue and grow long-term careers in technology generates a ripple effect. When female professionals are supported into leadership roles, the impact extends across teams, business strategy and the wider industry ecosystem.
How positive cultures are built
Inclusive cultures do not emerge by chance – they require deliberate design. At Canon UK & Ireland, our focus is on building a culture of belonging. This includes inclusive language and transparent promotion processes and visible leadership commitment to equitable representation.
High achieving teams are built on environments where individuals feel confident to contribute, challenge ideas and grow – and leaders play a crucial role in setting this tone. When senior figures actively champion inclusion and lead by example, they create space for the next generation of empowered women in technology to step forward.
When it comes to curating a positive inclusive culture, organisational responsibility extends beyond isolated initiatives. Sustained change demands proactive strategy, leadership buy-in and long-term investment in diverse talent development.
Looking ahead: driving change in a transforming industry
As artificial intelligence and digital transformation continue to reshape the technology landscape, the urgency of this work intensifies. Ensuring that women are represented across emerging technical fields is essential to building resilient and forward-looking organisations.
Canon UK & Ireland is committed to supporting diverse career paths and fostering inclusive environments where women can thrive. From mentorship and development programmes to visible sponsorship and tailored support, we aim to be part of the solution in closing the gender gap in technology.
International Women’s Day should not only be a celebration, but also a catalyst for continued change.
