Social networks bring women to IT

Social networking tools will encourage more women to consider a career in IT, but they must accept that they will be engaged in a battle with social norms, according to one senior female IT leader.

Gender need not be a barrier to success, and the power to create a balanced workforce lies with IT professionals themselves as well as with employers, said Jennifer Mowat, director of BT Tradespace.

“Girls should be encouraged to think about IT as a career option,” she said.

“Girls are coming across a lot of the tools people are now using, such as social networking, and the career prospects will become more attractive as they become socially acceptable. For example, when you are running a web site, no one cares if you’re a 20-year-old woman or a 50-year-old man.”

Mowat told Computing that people need to acknowledge the implications of their lifestyle choices and assert themselves when they feel excluded or unnoticed.

“Feminists will hate me for this, but you have to make the choice, and staying at home comes at a price. If you think something is not fair, speak up. You have to take on the cultural norms, but be really vocal about what you want to do. It is a lot to do with attitude and how you want to be treated,” she said.

Last month, Computing reported that nine in 10 women in IT had felt discriminated against.

Mowat said she had not witnessed such behaviour. “If anyone behaved like that they would be fired,” she said.

See also:

Funding cuts will hurt IT students

A lack of support may discourage graduates from changing career, says the BCS  19 Jun 2008

Nine in 10 women say IT sector is biased

Ninety per cent of female workers say industry is unfair and one in three has been victim of sexism  12 Jun 2008

Unclear outlook for female IT professionals

The majority of women working in IT are uncertain about what they want from their career or how to achieve it  04 Jun 2008

How to make a successful, young partner

Don't be afraid of showing a little ambition and take a bold choice, you might find yourself a partner at 28 like Fiona Sheffield has  22 May 2008

Gender inequality: still today's news

Young women accountants be prepared to fight for your rights: gender inequality in the 21st century is still a reality  22 May 2008

Like this story? Spread the news by clicking below:

 del.icio.us     Digg this     reddit!