Dame Stephanie ‘Steve’ Shirley, Technology Pioneer, Dies Aged 91
Dame Stephanie Shirley, a trailblazer in the technology industry and a champion for women in tech, has passed away at the age of 91, her family announced on August 9. Known for her groundbreaking decision to exclusively hire women coders and data inputters who worked from home, she transformed the landscape of the tech industry and paved the way for flexible working practices long before they became mainstream.
Born Vera Buchthal in Dortmund, Germany in 1933, Dame Stephanie’s early life was shaped by the horrors of World War II and the persecution of Jews under the Nazi regime. Her Jewish father was a judge who initially believed his position would protect the family. However, as Nazi oppression intensified, they fled to Vienna, Austria. At just five years old, she was one of approximately 10,000 Jewish children rescued through the Kindertransport, a British effort to provide refuge to children from Nazi-occupied Europe. Raised by loving foster parents in the UK, she overcame a traumatic childhood and emerged as a formidable figure in the male-dominated technology sector.
In 1962, after beginning her career as a scientific civil servant, Dame Stephanie founded Freelance Programmers—later rebranded as FI Group and eventually Xansa. The company was revolutionary, primarily employing women and designing work opportunities that accommodated mothers by enabling work-from-home arrangements. Of the first 300 employees, 297 were women. This significant move challenged prevailing gender biases and set a precedent for future generations of women seeking careers in technology.
Dame Stephanie was well aware of the barriers women faced in her field. To navigate the heavily male environment, she adopted the name "Steve" in professional correspondence to command attention from business contacts. Her resilience, intelligence, and business acumen earned her a fortune estimated at £150 million. However, she was equally committed to philanthropy, directing most of her wealth toward charitable causes close to her heart.
A passionate advocate for autism support, Dame Stephanie’s son Giles was autistic, and she became an early member of the National Autistic Society. She founded the Shirley Foundation, which has funded numerous projects aimed at helping autistic individuals. Notably, she established Autism at Kingwood, providing services for autistic adults across Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire, and helped launch Prior’s Court, a specialized school for autistic youth in Thatcham.
Dame Stephanie’s impact resonated deeply with contemporaries and successors alike. Professor Sue Black, a renowned computer scientist, described her as “an absolute legend and an incredible friend and role model” who was innovating with technology before the rise of tech icons like Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg. Dame Wendy Hall, another leading figure in computer science, reflected on Stephanie’s mentorship and advocacy for women in technology and autism causes, saying, “She was inspirational and will be hugely missed.”
Despite her considerable achievements and generous philanthropy, Dame Stephanie never wavered in her fight against sexism and gender discrimination. She resisted societal stereotypes throughout her life and mentored many women to find their voices in the tech world.
Her legacy is that of a pioneer who not only advanced computer science but also fiercely championed equality and inclusion, leaving an indelible mark on the technology industry and beyond.
Dame Stephanie ‘Steve’ Shirley’s life and work will continue to inspire future generations of women and innovators around the world.
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