"Women Wanted in Europe's ICT Industry"!

Submitted by Eva.Ramokobala on Fri, 18/07/2008 - 13:11

Publisher:

Europa Press Releases Rapid

Publisher / Organization Main page URL:

http://europa.eu

Published Date:

2008

Abstract:

Careers in information and communications technology (ICT) are often thought to be restricted to men. Such a common stereotype is far from the truth. Although the proportion of women graduating in engineering or computer science is still very low, young girls can expect a successful and rewarding career in the ICT sector. This topic is at the core of a conference organised today, ahead of International Women's day (8 March), in Brussels, where the European Commission will encourage young girls in Europe to "Move out of the shadow and seize the opportunITy".

"It is unacceptable that Europe lacks qualified ICT staff. If this shortage of computer scientists and engineers is not addressed, it will eventually slow down the European economic growth and Europe runs the risks of falling behind its Asian competitors", said Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for Information Society and Media. "We need to overcome common stereotypes which describe ICT careers as boring and too technical for women, and instead encourage women to succeed in this exciting, innovative and multi-facetted sector".

Link to external site:

"Women Wanted in Europe's ICT Industry"!