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Why gender equality?

It is 35 years since the Sex Discrimination Act came into force and 40 years since the introduction of the Equal Pay Act. The numbers of women in the workforce has increased dramatically yet in many areas large inequalities remain.  This is particularly true of the science, engineering technology and built environment sectors (SET) where the proportion of women in technical roles remains low. 

The facts:

  • Of almost 5.5 million people working in SET occupations (including skilled trades) in the UK in 2008, only 12.3 per cent were women.
  • As of 2008, some 620,000 women in the UK are graduates in SET subjects.  However 70.2 per cent of these do not work in SET occupations. 
  • In 2008, women held only nine per cent of board directorships in SET FTSE 100 companies, and exclusively male boards still existed in 35 per cent of SET companies.
  • In 2008, the gender pay gap for science and technology professionals was 11.0 per cent.
  • The loss to the UK economy by qualified women scientists, technologists and engineers working below their level of qualification, or being unemployed or inactive is estimated to be £2 billion.

The UK must continue to invest in women scientists, engineers and technologists to deliver economic success as well as social justice.  This investment will ensure that the country has the supply of world-class skills it needs continue to compete in global markets, supporting key growth areas such as advanced manufacturing, biotechnology and low carbon technologies.

Find out more:

  • Read the success stories from businesses and organisations to learn more about the benefits improving gender equality.
  • Visit our for organisations section to see how the UKRC helps employers develop and deliver effective gender inclusion policies and practices.
  • Explore the influencing policy section of our website to view the UKRC’s policy proposals and consultations.
  • Go to for women for information on how we support women across the UK at all career stages.
  • Download our research briefings and reports.