ONLY 17% OF tech roles in the UK are held by women.

Although research suggests 45% of women would be interested in pursuing a tech career, 32% believe they lack the right qualifications.

One organisation seeking to challenge inequalities is the Tech Talent Charter.

The organisation launched the ‘Doing It Anyway’ campaign. It aims to encourage working-age women to consider tech careers.

The campaign champions women from a variety of backgrounds who have found careers in technology through non-traditional paths.

The women were selected from over 300 nominations.

The Voice spoke with Honesty Haynes-Williams, who is part of the campaign about her tech industry journey. 

Honesty is a queer, Black woman of mixed heritage living with a chronic illness.

Her drive and determination helped her secure a digital marketing apprenticeship.

The 20-year-old is from Newham.

How did you get into the tech industry?

My story is a bit of a weird one. I left sixth form due to health reasons with no idea of what I’d be doing next. 

I ended up joining a women’s empowerment project called You Make It. Through there I got onto a placement scheme. We had lots of businesses coming in, and they showed us careers I had never heard of. 

After the placement at a company called Red Badger, I was offered an apprenticeship!

I’ve worked there ever since and learned more about the industry and developed my own passion for everything tech.

Tell us about your journey?

It’s been a journey full of learning. When I first started, I was quite fearful.

I had an opportunity in this world that was normally blocked off to me. In my head, this wasn’t a place I could ever enter.

I just hadn’t pictured it. There was a lot of fear that it would be taken away from me if I made a mistake. 

There was a lot of learning to self-advocate, communicate my needs and ask for help. And also, to be open about the fact that my story has many benefits.

What are some challenges that you’ve faced?

I think definitely fear and caution is definitely one. There’s something to be said about entering a space where you’re one of one, or one of very few, and that’s very daunting. 

Tech is such an exciting and forward thinking industry, and there’s so much emphasis on taking your own initiative. Whereas, based on my background, I was more familiar with obedience and following instructions.

So it was a process of having to learn how to take initiative. I told myself: ‘Yes I can do that. I can have autonomy as a black queer disabled woman.’ If anything, this will advance my career not hinder it.

What’s been a highlight of your career so far?

I was nominated by my company to be part of BIMA 100, a networking event.

It felt so special, because it’s an award that says ‘You’re good at what you do’ and ‘We see you.’

On a personal level, I’ve got a sister who’s eleven. To be able to be an example to her and tell her ‘Look, I’m doing something and you can see I’m good at what I do.’

I’m always reminded of Dr. Ronx, who says ‘You cannot be what you do not see.’

What advice would you give to Black women, looking to pursue a career in tech?

The industry needs you, you don’t need the industry.

There’s so much emphasis looking at how we correct the pipeline for tech careers.

It’s not that those people need the industry, the industry benefits from diverse communities.

Our ideas and contributions will only further everything that we’re doing.