Dame Stephanie ‘Steve’ Shirley, a groundbreaking technology pioneer and philanthropist, has passed away at the age of 91. Her remarkable life journey began in 1933 in Dortmund, Germany, where she was born as Vera Buchthal into a Jewish family. This was a time marked by the impending horrors of World War II, and shortly after her fifth birthday, Shirley and her family fled to escape the Nazi regime. They initially sought refuge in Vienna, Austria, but eventually, as the situation deteriorated for Jews, they were part of the Kindertransport, a British rescue effort that brought thousands of Jewish children to the UK.
Upon arriving in London, Shirley faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and environment. Despite these trials, she pursued her education and would eventually break barriers in the technology sector. After starting her career as a civil servant, in 1962, she founded Freelance Programmers, a software company that significantly transformed the landscape of the tech industry. The company was notable not only for its innovative approaches to computing but also for its unique policy of hiring mostly women, a groundbreaking decision for its time.
Shirley’s commitment to empowering women in the workforce was remarkable. In an era when opportunities for women in technology were exceedingly limited, her company employed approximately 297 women out of its first 300 staff. This model of hiring provided many mothers with flexible job opportunities, enabling them to balance family and professional life. Her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to women’s rights established her as a pivotal figure in tech and set a precedent that many would follow in the decades to come.
Throughout her life, Shirley also embraced philanthropy. Following years of successful business, she was able to donate approximately £70 million to various causes, including significant contributions towards autism advocacy and support organizations. This was particularly personal for her, as her son Giles was diagnosed with autism. She founded the Shirley Foundation and played a vital role in initiatives such as Autism at Kingwood, which offers services to autistic adults, and Prior’s Court, a school dedicated to autistic young people.
In addition to her contributions within the tech industry, Shirley was known for her resilience in the face of personal adversities, including the trauma of her childhood during the war and the loss of her son. Despite these hardships, she maintained a strong sense of purpose and a clear moral compass throughout her career. The challenges she faced shaped her into a formidable figure, inspiring many women who aspire to enter the technology sector.
Shirley adopted the name “Steve” to navigate the male-dominated environments in business, a strategic decision that earned her both respect and recognition. Over the years, she vocally challenged gender biases, refusing to subscribe to the stereotypes associated with women in her field. Her life was dedicated to championing for inclusivity and demonstrating that women could excel in areas historically dominated by men.
Dame Stephanie Shirley’s legacy transcends her accomplishments in technology or philanthropy. She is celebrated not only as a pioneer in her field but also as a trailblazer for women’s rights. Many regard her as a source of inspiration, showcasing how one individual’s determination can transform industries and influence societal attitudes. Her influence will continue to resonate, compelling future generations to embrace the transformative power of diversity in technology.
As tributes pour in from around the world, Dame Stephanie Shirley’s contributions and the barriers she dismantled will be remembered, underscoring her pivotal role as a luminary for both women in tech and the broader societal movement for equality and inclusion.
