Overview
Women in Tech Week 2026 is a dynamic celebration that unites women, industry leaders, and top organizations from across the UK technology sector for five inspiring days of virtual and in-person events. Through dynamic panels, practical workshops, keynotes, interviews, and networking opportunities, the week will explore career progression, innovation, and the systemic challenges affecting women in technology.
This year’s event comes at a critical time for the industry. Women represent just 20% of the UK tech workforce and are leaving the sector at twice the rate of men. These challenges and their economic impact are explored in the "Lovelace Report", developed in partnership with WeAreTechWomen.
We are proud to support Women in Tech Week and its ambition to drive greater equality and opportunity across the technology sector.
Sessions
October 15, 8:30–11 am GMT
The Lovelace report — Women not found
One year ago, The Lovelace report made the case that retaining experienced women in technology is not only an imperative for greater gender equity, but also a £2–3.5 billion opportunity the UK cannot afford to miss.
Twelve months on, this session will examine what has changed — and where progress is still stalling. As AI rapidly reshapes the technology landscape, organizations face new questions around opportunity, skills, progression, and how to build inclusive leadership pipelines that can become a lasting competitive advantage.
Bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and advocates for gender equity in technology, the discussion will explore the impact of the report and related initiatives, the progress employers and the government have made on retention and advancement, and the practical actions organizations can take next. The session will also consider how AI is transforming women's experience in technology and what leaders can do to ensure they benefit from the opportunities ahead.
Moderator: Deborah O'Neill, partner, Oliver Wyman; Vanessa Vallely OBE, CEO and Founder, WeAreTechWomen
Speakers: Karen Blake, MBE; Kirsty McKnight, principal, Oliver Wyman; Irina Iovita, principal, Oliver Wyman
Meet the team
