Dame Stephanie Shirley, Technology Pioneer and Champion for Women in Tech, Dies at 91
Dame Stephanie Shirley, known affectionately as "Steve," a trailblazing figure in the technology industry and a passionate advocate for women in tech, has died aged 91. Her family announced her passing on 9 August via an Instagram post, marking the end of a remarkable life defined by resilience, innovation, and philanthropy.
A Childhood Marked by Adversity and Courage
Born Vera Buchthal in Dortmund, Germany, in 1933, Dame Stephanie’s early years were overshadowed by the rise of Nazi persecution. Her Jewish father was a judge, a position he hoped would protect the family, but as anti-Jewish measures escalated, the family fled to Vienna. In the face of growing danger, young Vera was part of the Kindertransport, a British rescue operation that evacuated around 10,000 Jewish children to the UK before World War II. Separated from her family, she was raised by caring foster parents in Britain, laying the foundation for a life of extraordinary strength and determination.
Breaking Ground as a Woman in Technology
In a period when the technology sector was overwhelmingly male-dominated, Dame Stephanie Shirley was an unmistakable pioneer. After working as a scientific civil servant, she founded Freelance Programmers in 1962, a software company that revolutionized working practices by hiring almost exclusively women, particularly mothers in need of flexibility. Of the company’s first 300 employees, 297 were female – a bold move that challenged societal norms and opened doors for generations of women in technology.
To navigate the male-centric business world, she adopted the name “Steve” in her correspondence, a decision highlighting both the gender barriers of the time and her determination to overcome them. Her company, later renamed FI Group and then Xansa, grew wildly successful, garnering her a personal fortune estimated at £150 million.
A Lifelong Commitment to Autism and Philanthropy
Dame Stephanie’s dedication extended well beyond business. Deeply motivated by her personal experience as the mother of Giles, her late autistic son, she devoted much of her wealth to support autism-related causes. She was an early supporter of the National Autistic Society and founded the Shirley Foundation, which has funded numerous initiatives to help people with autism.
Among the services she established are Autism at Kingwood, supporting autistic adults in the Berkshire, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire regions, and Prior’s Court, a specialized school for autistic young people in Thatcham, Berkshire. Her philanthropy has left an enduring impact on autism support across the UK.
An Inspirational Legacy
Dame Stephanie Shirley’s influence extended widely across the computing world. Professor Sue Black, a respected computer scientist, described her as “an absolute legend” and a role model who was innovating long before the tech icons of today. Dame Wendy Hall, another leading computer scientist and Dame Stephanie’s friend and mentor, called her “inspirational” and praised her relentless efforts to encourage women in computer science and support for the autism community.
Despite her frailty in later years, Dame Stephanie remained a captivating and glamorous figure, unafraid to reflect on her life’s lessons and committed to using her wealth for positive change. She stood as a symbol of resilience against sexism and societal stereotypes, blazing a trail for women and marginalized groups in the tech industry.
Remembering Dame Stephanie Shirley
Dame Stephanie Shirley’s life story is one of extraordinary courage, ingenuity, and generosity. From escaping Nazi persecution as a child to reshaping the landscape for women in technology, she defied expectations and used her success to uplift others. The technology sector, the autism community, and many individuals worldwide continue to benefit from her groundbreaking work and philanthropy. She leaves behind a legacy of empowerment and compassion that will inspire future generations.
— By Zoe Kleinman, Technology Editor, BBC News
