WOMEN IN DATA® ARTICLES

The State of the Nation Survey conducted by Women in Data®, powered by Yonder is open and we need your voice.

This year’s WiDWEEK line-up truly reflects the depth, breadth, and impact of our 11-year journey as a community. With 22 events across two time zones and four regions.

We’re excited to announce the launch of a brand partnership with easyJet as they become the first airline to partner with Women in Data®. Together, we will help to drive the next generation of data and technology leaders in the aviation sector. 

Mentorship and visible leadership can make a lasting difference - especially in fields where representation still lags behind. Through honest reflections and personal stories, DWP Digital's data and analytics leadership team discuss in this blog post how guidance, allyship, and role models have helped shape their careers.

In today’s data-driven world, the organisations that thrive aren’t just the ones with the best tools, they’re the ones with the strongest data culture.

Following Big Data LDN 2025, members of senior leadership from Capgemini Invent’s Enterprise and Data Analytics team share their perspectives on how.

A recent discussion with Dr. Jennifer Belissent, Principal Data Strategist at Snowflake, began with the disproportionate impact of climate change but broadened to include other ways women are adversely impacted by change. Women and girls often bear the brunt.

In this blog, Dr. Belissent explores how women and children are disproportionately affected by the risks and uncertainties that come with change – be it due to extreme climate phenomena, economic hardship or health-related events.

Data and AI are no longer just everyday tools – they are catalysts for transformational change. From reshaping how we interact with our environment to revolutionising access to essential services like healthcare and education, their potential to address society’s most pressing challenges is profound. In healthcare, longstanding research gaps and systemic biases have led to disparities in diagnosis, treatment, and patient care – issues that disproportionately affect women. This is a cause close to our hearts, and it’s why we collaborate with academic experts to advance the healthcare agenda through our Women’s Health initiative.

Big Data London is one of the UK’s premier data and analytics events and Women in Data® is proud to be at the heart of it. Whether you're looking to connect with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge insights, or be inspired by the data stories shaping our future, here are five compelling reasons to join us at Olympia this September.

“Don’t let self-doubt hold you back – curiosity and commitment matter more than perfection.” These are the empowering words of Karishma Patel, Business Data Analyst at Asda, who is not only shaping the future of data governance but also inspiring the next generation of women in data. As a proud advocate for Women in Data® and the Girls in Data™ lead at Asda, Karishma has delivered engaging, hands-on lessons in over 20 schools across Yorkshire. These sessions, developed by Girls in Data™ and adapted by Asda, offer a full day of discovery designed to spark curiosity and confidence in girls from Year 9 and upwards. From interactive workshops to real-world insights, students are introduced to the exciting possibilities of a career in data – guided by professionals who’ve walked the path themselves. For Karishma, the initiative has been more than just outreach – it’s been a transformative journey. From building confidence in public speaking to representing Asda in the community, she’s found purpose in paving the way for others. I recently sat down with Karishma to learn more about her journey into data, what drives her passion for outreach, and how she’s helping shape a more inclusive future for the industry. Can you tell us about your transition into working in data? “I first developed an interest in SQL through hands-on experience. After a stint in IT support at a pharmaceutical company, I quickly realised I wanted to be more challenged and work more directly with data. This led me to transition into a pure Data Analyst role, where I had the opportunity to deepen my expertise in SQL even further. I also used Power BI to support strategic decision-making. In my role at Asda, I continue to build on my data knowledge and contribute to the Data Governance Team. Throughout my career, I’ve consistently sought opportunities to grow and learn. My curiosity and enthusiasm for data have only strengthened over time, and that’s why I love supporting our partnership with Women in Data® – ensuring the team remains informed and engaged with the latest activities and events.” What inspired you and your organisation to get involved in promoting STEM education for girls? “At Asda, we’re passionate about inspiring the next generation, and we recognise that introducing girls to STEM opportunities during secondary school can have a lasting impact on their confidence, aspirations, and career choices. Our involvement in Girls in Data™ stems from a desire to bridge the gender gap early – starting in education. By showcasing the breadth of roles available in the data and technology space, we’re helping shape their futures. Their enthusiasm and commitment during curriculum activities, particularly when working with tools like Power BI, which is widely used in real-world business environments, reaffirm the importance of this initiative. For me personally, it has been amazing to help empower girls to see themselves as future STEM leaders. It’s also challenged me to translate often complex technical language into more accessible terms for diverse audiences.” Tell me more

ExecConnect, 18 September 2024 ExecConnect, 20 August 2024   Before hitting the glass ceiling, women are being tripped up by The Broken First Rung Abstract Organisations are failing to meet their own targets for female senior leadership and today 50% of women are still leaving the data and technology sector by the mid-point in their career.  The case has already been proven: more senior female leaders are crucial to sparking innovation, driving business performance, fostering inclusion, and attracting top talent. So why are women still tripping over the so-called ‘Broken Rung’ before they even get the chance to shatter that infamous glass ceiling? We have all heard of the glass ceiling, but fewer understand the crippling impact of The Broken Rung. While men are promoted into leadership positions, women are left clinging to the bottom rung of the ladder. For every 100 men promoted into their first managerial roles only 81 women make it. The result? Women fall behind and simply can’t catch up. With significantly fewer women joining the industry (stubbornly fixed at 4:1), significant barriers to getting on the leadership ladder and women continuing to leave the industry at an alarming rate, is it any surprise that we see fewer female leaders and an obstinate gender pay gap! So, how do we break these barriers and accelerate female leadership? Executive Summary The persistent underrepresentation of women in senior leadership roles within the data and technology sectors is not just a problem for women.  Despite organisational commitments, women are overlooked for promotion right from the beginning of their career journey. The phenomenon, known as ‘The Broken Rung’, means that for every 100 men promoted, only 81 women move up, perpetuating the gender pay gap and stalling female leadership. Women in Data® has now convened over 60 senior leaders to dissect this issue and push for actionable solutions. Discussions centred on the need for businesses to overhaul their cultures, adopting transparent, merit-based promotion practices and embracing inclusive leadership models. Structural changes, like flexible working conditions and robust family policies, are crucial to support women at all career stages. Additionally, tailored leadership programs should focus on providing women with clear pathways to senior roles, not just be token gestures. The leaders emphasised that this is not a problem for women to fix – men must step up as allies, and organisations like Women in Data® have a critical role in driving systemic change. The government must also act, tightening gender equity measures and reshaping education to dismantle stereotypes early. In summary, addressing The Broken Rung is not just about equity. It is about creating a more innovative, effective industry where women can thrive, and everyone reaps the benefits. Introduction As part of its ExecConnect series, Women in Data® brought together over 60 senior data leaders from across the public and private sectors, to examine the leadership landscape and explore the options to improve female representation at every level. The term ‘The Broken Rung’ was new to many, but the phenomenon wasn’t.