SECONDARY SCHOOLS across the UK and Ireland are to receive hundreds of books celebrating black women in the tech industry.

Tech London Advocates (TLA) Black Women in Tech released their first book, ‘The Voices in the Shadow’ at the end of October and pledged to give away their first 300 copies free to students in an effort to amplify the stories of 51 black women excelling in tech.

Founded in 2019 by Flavilla Fongang, TLA Black Women in Tech has a network of more than 12,000 tech leaders, entrepreneurs and experts around the world.

Ms. Fongang said the inspiration behind her new book was to encourage a generations of talented, young black girls on who want to pursue a career in the sector.

“I grew up without seeing any aspirational black women besides my mother,” she said. “Moving to London, I saw more successful black people than I ever did in Paris.

“My ambition was elevated as we often only believe in what we see. Without improving representation, the less fortunate are often the ones left with limited aspiration. So, I decided to create this book to revive hope.

“The Voices In The Shadow illuminates the voices of under-represented talented black women, so we can impact the present and the next generations.”

According to the BSC (British Computer Society),The Chartered Institute for IT, the representation of women in the tech industry has increased to its highest ever since last summer, rising from rising to 20% from 17%.

However, despite a small increase in the percentage of black women working in IT positions, from 0.3% in 2019 to 0.7% in 2020, black women remain heavily under-represented in IT, particularly in comparison to across other industries where their visibility is 2.5 times higher.

Ms. Fongang believes the under-representation of women of colour leaves young girls without the role models, confidence or inspiration to achieve their dreams, while missing out on career opportunities.

Caroline Dinenage, Digital and Culture Minister, said: “It’s important for children to know they can do anything in life,” said “and books like The Voices in the Shadow can help them discover new role models and inspire them to aim for the stars. We’re committed to working with the industry to create a more diverse tech sector which is positive for society, makes good business sense and helps ensure tech works for everyone.”