Breaking Barriers: Women in the IT Channel

?? The reality for women in IT is clear. Underrepresented in leadership, they face bias in the workplace and barriers to career progression. But change doesn’t happen by chance – it requires businesses to take bold, intentional action.

Redstor wanted to have an honest conversation about these challenges. In our 'Breaking Barriers: Women in the IT Channel' webinar, we brought together inspiring women from across the industry to share their experiences, call out inequality, and discuss what needs to change.

Here’s what we learned.

The challenges women in IT still face

Despite progress, women in tech still struggle with being heard, seen, and given equal opportunities. Our panellists shared their experiences:

?? "I was the only woman in the room. My ideas were acknowledged, but only taken seriously when repeated by a male colleague. I had to learn to navigate that fast." – Deshni Harricharan (MMDB)

?? "If there wasn’t a seat at the table for me, I’d ask why. Why wasn’t I invited? Why wasn’t I there? Don’t be afraid to ask difficult questions." – Louise Taylor

?? "If you can do something to advocate for another woman in your business, do it. Even small actions, like joining a Women in Tech network together, can create change." – Chloe Schofield

These experiences aren’t uncommon, and the data backs it up:

• Only 29% of IT jobs are held by women. (womenintech.co.uk)
• Women hold just 16% of senior leadership roles in UK tech. (McKinsey)
• The gender pay gap in IT is 3-5% higher than in other industries. (CodersLink)

What businesses should be doing now

If we want to see real change, businesses need to go beyond statements of support – they need to act.

• Challenge hiring and promotion bias: "Make sure hiring panels are diverse. If it’s mostly men moving up, something is wrong." – Sian Walton
• Create safe workplaces: "We need zero tolerance for outdated nonsense like casual sexist jokes. People should feel safe to speak up." – Sian Walton
• Support flexible career paths: "After maternity leave, I was told my ‘personal circumstances’ meant I couldn’t have a leadership role. We need workplaces that enable women to thrive." – Mercedes Mowat

At Redstor, we’re taking intentional action:

• More women in leadership: We’ve increased senior leadership representation from 0% to 64%.
• Growing representation: Women now make up 32% of new hires, up from 23%.
• Investing in growth: WINTribe, our mentoring programme, empowers women across the business.

What’s next?

Conversations like this are just the beginning – real change comes from action.

If you’re a leader: Are you actively working to remove barriers for women in your organisation?

If you’re in tech: How can you amplify the voices of women around you?

If you’re passionate about change: What’s one action you can take today?

?? "At Redstor, we know that words alone won’t drive change. That’s why we’re committed to taking real action – whether that’s increasing women in leadership, supporting mentoring programmes, or creating a workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. The IT channel is changing, but there’s still work to do. Now is the time to push forward." – Adele Quinn , VP of Growth and Initiatives, Redstor, Chair of 'Breaking Barriers: Women in the IT Channel'

Watch the full webinar here: https://vimeo.com/1062336417?share=copy#t=0

Let’s not just talk about change – let’s drive it.

#BreakingBarriers #WomenInTech #AccelerateAction #Redstor