“We didn’t want to just list jobs”
At this year’s DJAx Awards, Women in Tech took home the award for Outstanding Impact in a Niche Market – recognition for a platform that has become far more than a job board.
We spoke to Callie Cooper, who leads Women in Tech, about why the platform was created, what makes it different and why building community matters just as much as recruitment.
“Too many talented women were being overlooked”
What problem were you trying to solve when Women in Tech was created?
Women in Tech originally started as part of the Technojobs group, but around 2016/2017 we realised something needed to change. At the time our director was being shown around his daughters future secondary school and when they got the IT block they were told that “IT is just for boys” and quickly moved on to the next area. From this we knew as a society we had to do better and Women in Tech was born.
Also at the same time, we were having more and more conversations with employers about how to genuinely attract and retain female tech talent – not just advertise roles the roles to tick a box. After speaking with our women on our platform we quickly realised there were too many talented women in tech being overlooked, excluded or quietly pushed out of an industry they were more than capable of shaping.
We realised there was a real gap in the market for a platform that didn’t simply list vacancies, but actively supported and empowered women, amplified inclusive employers and created a sense of belonging in an industry where many women still felt isolated or invisible.
“Women shouldn’t have to adapt themselves to fit the tech industry”
What makes Women in Tech different from a traditional tech job board?
Everything we build is guided by one principle: to help close the gender gap in technology by offering trusted resources, practical guidance, and opportunities
that empower women to thrive and succeed.
We do have a job board on Women in Tech but its only part of the story. We support women at every stage of their career journey – from students and career switchers through to returners and senior leaders.
We focus heavily on community, role models, career advice and confidence-building content. We wanted women using the platform to feel represented and supported – not treated as transactions.
For employers, we’ve also created a space where they can authentically demonstrate what they’re doing around inclusion, flexibility and progression. That transparency matters. It gives candidates confidence that what they’re seeing reflects the actual workplace culture.
“We focus on meaningful outcomes, not just vacancies filled”
How do you measure impact?
Of course we track the traditional metrics – applications, engagement, repeat employer partnerships and candidate growth – but we also look beyond that.
For us, success is about whether women feel seen, supported and empowered to progress in their careers.
That’s why we pay close attention to community feedback and long-term engagement. We want to know whether women feel more confident, more connected and more optimistic about building careers in tech because they’ve been part of Women in Tech.
“The industry becomes stronger when women are given visibility”
Why do you think the platform has resonated so strongly?
Because representation matters.
When women can see role models, inclusive employers and real opportunities, it changes how they see their place in the industry. And when employers genuinely commit to inclusion, rather than simply talking about it, everybody benefits.
We’ve built something that bridges the gap between employers who want to do better and women who want workplaces where they can genuinely thrive and be their true selves.
And ultimately, when women are given visibility and access, the entire tech industry becomes stronger, more innovative and more human.
Trusted by employers. Backed by community.
Women in Tech’s impact is reflected not just in its growth, but in the loyalty of both employers and candidates.
Partners including Heathrow, Starling, Security Services and DWP have worked with the platform for years. Meanwhile, feedback from the community speaks volumes:
“It is wonderful to have a community that focuses on inclusivity in the tech sector.”
“Thank you for inspiring my 2025 journey.”
For the judges, it was clear: Women in Tech isn’t just serving a niche market; it’s helping reshape it.