Technology still has a problem with women – but change is in the air

The number of women in tech hasn't increased in decades. But the tide is starting to turn when it comes to attitudes to the sector's gender inequality

When I left school at 16, in March 1979, my first job interview was for an admin position at a garage in Chelmsford. I was extremely nervous as I walked into a yard of men in greasy overalls, and as I was being interviewed I blushed as my eyes skipped around the office to the calendars of topless women on the walls.

I loved Top of the Pops on a Thursday evening all those years ago, but wondered why there were so few women singing or presenting. "Women are no good at singing - if they were any good they would be on there," said one. "Women don't like singing in public or on TV because it's not natural or feminine," said another. I thought at the time those opinions were wrong, but kept my opinions to myself unless I was talking to one of those rare people who seemed to feel the way I did.