International Women's Day: Building sustainable pathways for women in data centres

International Women's Day provides an opportunity to examine how far the technology sector has progressed in advancing gender equity, and where meaningful work still lies ahead. In the UK in 2024 women accounted for 22% of IT specialists, representing 441,000 professionals in 2024 according to BCS, and across the EU women make up 20% of ICT specialists. 

In the data centre industry specifically, the figures demonstrate both progress and persistent imbalance. Within engineering and technology occupations, representation has fallen to 15.7% according to EngineeringUK. The Uptime Institute claims that in data centre design, build and operations teams, the imbalance is even more pronounced - 80% of these teams have 10% women or fewer, while one in five organisations report no women at all in these roles. 

These numbers highlight a key challenge. While digital infrastructure underpins every aspect of modern society, the teams designing and operating that infrastructure do not yet reflect the diversity of the communities they serve.

As a mechanical engineer myself who moved into technical project and programme management, I have seen first-hand how career pathways within our sector have evolved. A decade ago, women were more frequently represented in commercial or support functions. Today, there is greater visibility of women across core disciplines such as mechanical and electrical engineering, commissioning and major infrastructure delivery, and that progress should be acknowledged. However, representation in senior technical and site-based operational roles, particularly within live critical environments, remains limited.

Encouraging more women into data centre careers begins well before employment. EngineeringUK research shows that boys express greater interest in STEM careers than girls, with the widest gaps in engineering and technology. Girls account for just 12% of engineering and technology T Level students and 20% of apprenticeship starts in these disciplines.

If we are serious about long term change, we must raise awareness earlier. Schools and universities should be supported to demonstrate that data centres offer varied and rewarding careers across engineering, energy, sustainability and digital infrastructure.

For employers, responsibility should not end with recruitment. Technical specialists must be able to see how they can move from early career roles into programme leadership and decision-making positions. Structured development, mentoring and defined promotion criteria provide confidence and clarity. Without these frameworks, talented individuals are at risk of plateauing or leaving the sector altogether.

Retention demands equal attention. Flexible working practices, practical considerations on site and visible female role models all contribute to sustainable careers.

In complex, live environments such as data centres, these measures require thoughtful implementation but are entirely achievable. The organisations that commit to them will benefit from a stronger and more resilient talent base.

The commercial argument for diversity is important too. Diverse project teams consistently strengthen delivery, while a broader mix of perspectives improves collaboration, better handles risk management and enhances outcomes across major infrastructure programmes.

It's encouraging to see that the industry conversation has matured, and the focus is shifting from just increasing numbers to building credible and sustainable pathways for women in technical leadership. That means embedding equity into talent strategies, succession planning and executive accountability. It also means creating cultures in which women are not exceptional, but integral.

On a personal level, this conversation carries particular weight. As a mother to a young daughter, I consider the professional landscape she will inherit. I hope that when she begins to contemplate her future, a career in engineering or digital infrastructure will feel both accessible and expected. And I hope she will see more women like me leading complex projects, operating critical facilities and shaping the energy transition, and regard those roles as entirely within reach.

International Women's Day should not just be a symbolic milestone, it should be a call to action. The growing data centre sector is foundational to economic growth, technological innovation and environmental progress, and the fact is that to meet these demands, we need a broad range of talent and perspective.

By investing in early engagement, establishing transparent development pathways and nurturing inclusive working environments, our industry can build a workforce that reflects the ambition and diversity of the digital future we are enabling