International Day of Women & Girls in Science: Why the South West’s Future Depends on Diverse Talent

Every year on 11th February, International Day of Women & Girls in Science gives us an important pause for reflection.

It’s a moment to recognise the incredible contribution women make across science, technology, engineering and manufacturing, and just as importantly, to acknowledge the work still needed to ensure these sectors are truly inclusive, accessible and representative of the talent available.

From my perspective, working closely with businesses across the South West of England, this conversation has never been more relevant.

Progress, but not parity

There is no doubt that progress has been made. We are seeing more women pursue STEM qualifications, step into technical roles, and progress into leadership positions across tech, engineering and manufacturing.

However, when we look at the regional hiring landscape, women remain underrepresented, particularly in:

• Engineering and advanced manufacturing
• Software development and IT infrastructure
• Senior technical and operational leadership roles

For many employers across the South West, skills shortages remain a daily challenge. At the same time, a significant proportion of the available talent pool is still being overlooked or lost at key career stages.

This isn’t just a diversity issue, it’s a growth issue.

Why this matters for South West employers

The South West has a unique and thriving mix of:

• Advanced manufacturing and engineering firms
• Growing technology and digital businesses
• Innovative SMEs alongside global organisations

To remain competitive, these businesses need access to the broadest possible talent base.

Our experience in recruitment consistently shows that organisations with diverse technical teams benefit from:

• Stronger problem-solving and innovation
• Better collaboration across functions
• Improved attraction and retention of talent

Encouraging and supporting women into science-led careers is not about box-ticking – it’s about building future-ready organisations.

The role of recruitment in driving change

Recruitment plays a critical role in shaping what the future workforce looks like.

As recruiters working across tech, engineering and manufacturing in the South West, we see first-hand how inclusive hiring practices can make a real difference. This includes:

• Challenging traditional role profiles and qualification requirements
• Ensuring job adverts appeal to a wider audience
• Supporting flexible and hybrid working where roles allow
• Partnering with businesses that are genuinely committed to long-term inclusion

Equally, it’s about supporting women and girls at every stage of their career journey, from early career scientists and engineers, to experienced professionals returning to the workforce or stepping into leadership roles.

Looking ahead

International Day of Women & Girls in Science is a reminder that change doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen through consistent action.

For South West employers, this is an opportunity to:

• Review how and where you attract technical talent
• Consider how inclusive your hiring and progression pathways really are
• Work with recruitment partners who understand both the regional market and the importance of diversity

For candidates, it’s a moment to recognise the value of your skills, your perspective and your potential impact.

Final thoughts

The future of the South West’s tech, engineering and manufacturing sectors will be shaped by the people within them.

By continuing to support women and girls into science-led careers, we’re not only doing the right thing, we’re also strengthening our regional economy, our businesses and our communities.

If you’re a business looking to build diverse technical teams, or a candidate exploring opportunities across the South West, we’d love to be part of that conversation.

Let’s keep moving the dial, together.

Cathedral Appointments works with organisations across the South West, specialising in recruitment for technology, engineering and manufacturing roles.