Women in data face unique challenges when it comes to visibility, career progression, and community support. Despite growing efforts to improve diversity, women still hold just 28% of jobs in computer and mathematical fields, and this figure drops to only 22% in tech roles across European companies. This underrepresentation, combined with a lack of structured support networks, often leaves many feeling disconnected from career opportunities and professional development.

For International Women’s Day, the herd collaborated with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to run a Design in a Day workshop. The session was designed to uncover the key challenges preventing inclusion and engagement in data communities and to work collaboratively on practical solutions. As Karen Rochester, DWP said of the day, “By bringing people together to explore barriers and co-design solutions, we can foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for women in data”. Through open discussions, hands-on activities, and shared experiences, participants explored ways to create meaningful change that would have a lasting impact on women working in data roles.

 

Tackling the challenge together

The day began with a crucial question: What are the biggest challenges for women in data roles? Attendees highlighted key barriers, including mentorship gaps, limited leadership visibility, and difficulties in sustaining data communities. To deepen our understanding, we applied the 5 Whys technique to uncover root causes, revealing that a major underlying issue was the absence of structured support networks within DWP’s data teams.

Following this, participants moved into a prioritisation exercise, using dot voting to identify the most pressing challenges. Stronger mentorship and networking opportunities emerged as top priorities. The group then explored ways to build an inclusive mentoring structure that could support career progression.

 

From ideas to action

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in hands-on activities such as Crazy 8s and speed critiques to quickly generate and refine solutions. By the end of the session, they had developed practical ideas, including:

  • Peer mentoring circles to create structured support networks.
  • Leadership shadowing schemes to improve visibility of senior women in data roles.
  • Structured community forums for knowledge-sharing and career support.

Why this matters

Hippo and DWP have worked together for over seven years, delivering digital transformation and supporting capability-building initiatives. Kayliegh Sugden, our Hippo’s account lead for DWP, has prioritised community support, ensuring inclusion remains at the heart of our work.

By gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by women in data roles, we can help create opportunities for upskilling not just within DWP, but across the wider public sector.

What we learned and what’s next

The event saw strong engagement, with attendees actively contributing to discussions and problem-solving activities. Key takeaways included:

  • Clear, actionable solutions that DWP teams can implement, such as mentoring circles and leadership shadowing.
  • Exposure to new problem-solving techniques, like Problem Framing and 5 Whys.
  • Stronger professional connections, with many attendees forming valuable networks.

Taking the next step in data inclusion

Inclusion in data communities doesn’t happen by accident, it requires ongoing effort, collaboration, and commitment. Following this event, DWP is exploring ways to pilot some of the ideas generated, with Hippo providing support where possible.

The Design in a Day format has proven to be a powerful way to drive meaningful change. By continuing to run initiatives like this, organisations can ensure diverse voices are heard and valued in the evolving data landscape.