Mind the Gap: Women in Tech in the North & How to Fight Your Corner

Written by a tech recruiter who’s here to get more women hired, paid, and promoted—one CV at a time.

Ah, the tech industry. Full of innovation, opportunity, and… a never-ending parade of blokes named Dave. Don’t get me wrong, I love Dave. But when Dave gets a higher salary offer despite having the same (or, let’s be honest, sometimes less) experience than his female counterpart, well, that’s when my recruiter Spidey senses start tingling.

Women in tech, especially here in the North of England, face a frustrating mix of outdated biases, pay gaps, and the occasional patronising “Have you considered marketing instead?” But we’re not here to whinge; we’re here to win. So, let’s talk about the landscape, the money, and how to fight your corner like the tech powerhouse you are.

The State of Play: Women in Tech Up North

First, the good news: the tech sector in the North is booming. Cities like Manchester, Leeds, and Newcastle are teeming with startups, scale-ups, and global tech giants setting up shop. The demand for tech talent is sky-high, and companies are slowly waking up to the fact that diverse teams = better business.

The not-so-good news? Women are still underrepresented. Nationally, we make up around 26% of the tech workforce, but in the North, that number can dip even lower, especially in more technical roles like software development and engineering.

The even-worse news? The gender pay gap persists. While average tech salaries in the North are pretty decent (Manchester: ~£45k, Newcastle: ~£40k, Leeds: ~£43k), women still tend to earn about 10-20% less than their male counterparts. Not ideal when the price of a decent oat milk latte keeps creeping up.

Fighting Your Corner: How to Level Up

Right, enough stats. Let’s get down to the practical stuff. How do you make sure you’re getting paid what you deserve and advancing in your career? Here’s the game plan:

1. Know Your Worth (And Then Add Tax)

Ladies, we have to stop underestimating ourselves. If you’re looking for a new role, do your homework. Check salary benchmarks on sites like Glassdoor, speak to recruiters (cough like me cough), and when they ask for your expected salary, aim high. If a company really wants you, they’ll negotiate.

2. Get Comfortable with Saying ‘No’

Got a lowball offer? Politely decline. Being underpaid doesn’t just affect you—it drags down salaries for all women in tech. Plus, nothing says ‘boss energy’ like standing firm and waiting for a company that values you properly.

3. Speak Up in Meetings (Even If Dave Won’t Shut Up)

We’ve all been there. You suggest an idea, crickets. Five minutes later, Dave suggests your idea, and suddenly he’s a genius. Next time, reclaim your space: “Great point, Dave! As I mentioned earlier…” Works like a charm.

4. Find Your Allies

Tech can feel like a boys’ club, but there are amazing women’s networks up here. Check out Women in Tech North, Ladies of Code Manchester, and Manchester Digital’s Diversity & Inclusion network. These groups offer mentorship, job leads, and a solid reminder that you are NOT alone.

5. Keep Skilling Up

The tech world moves fast. If your employer won’t invest in your learning, take matters into your own hands. Free courses on Udemy, LinkedIn Learning, or Google’s free certifications can boost your CV and confidence.

6. Negotiate Like a Pro

When that salary discussion comes up, be prepared. State your case with confidence, bring data (market rates, your achievements, industry trends), and practice in front of a mirror if needed. Worst case scenario? You walk away and find a company that deserves you.

Final Thoughts: The North Needs You

Look, I won’t sugarcoat it, being a woman in tech up North can be frustrating. But change is happening, and the more of us who push back, demand better pay, and refuse to settle for less, the faster that change will come. So go forth, negotiate like a queen, and if you ever need a pep talk (or a new job), you know where to find me.

Oh, and if Dave tries to explain JavaScript to you again? Just ask him to FizzBuzz it on a whiteboard. That usually does the trick.