Only 12.8% of workers in the STEM sector are female

Women currently make up 47% of the UK workforce.

However, only 12.8% careers in the science, technology, engineering and maths sectors (STEM) are held by women.

Furthermore, only six per cent of software engineering positions are occupied by women, according to data in the 2014 'Women in Public Life, the Professions and the Boardroom' House of Commons briefing paper.

Factors contributing to the disparity include a disproportionately low number of women choosing careers in technology and a lack of retention in the industry.