First demographics of students in science and computer science. The numbers are abysmal – ratio remains around 1-10 women to men in the classes I see. What is more, at least 2/3rd of women in the class are of Asian or other non-Caucasian ethnic origin. This is about the same as I encoutered when I came to do my PhD in UK. Puzzling when you look at GCSE and A-Level girls vs boys results. Any ideas?

As a woman working in tech, as is my sister, I have to say that without doubt there are double standards at play. Not necessarily always consciously enacted but informed by peoples (men’s as well as other women’s) prejudices. From the social events that team outings are going on, to drinking parties and working hours (where presentism counts for more than effectiveness), as well as self-promotion vs sheer hard work and getting things done without causing great fuss.

On the conference circuit the issue is also that organisers delegate booking speakers to young women (!) in the main, who follow existing models and look for speakers positioned at particular rings of corporate ladders. Guess what – few women crop up. So, self-reinforcing loop here at play: not enough women in high positions, not enough visibility, few women invited as speakers, few women role models, few girls take up tech , and so it goes.

What did your panel conclude? And how to go forward?