Microsoft wants more female developers and engineers and the
company's new HR head has set her stall on redressing a
miss-balance.
Sarah Fisher who recently became HR head at Microsoft
told HR magazine Personnel Today that she was personally
committed to improving opportunities for female developers and
beginners.
Fisher told Personnel Today, "Our [female:male] profile is
positive, but it needs to improve without any shadow of a doubt. It
is an area I want to delve into, to encourage females to apply, and
I am personally very committed."
According to the British Computer Society (BCS) there are about
37,000 fewer women in IT now compared to 2001. The BCS said
such a large number could help to alleviate the industry's much
publicised skills shortage.
Fisher's drive will help women move forward in an industry that
many believe they are disadvantaged in.
According to
research from IT recruitment firm InterQuest, published in
June, 90% of female IT professionals believe the industry is biased
against them. Three quarters of the professionals feel their skills
and strengths are suited to technology and said they chose a career
in IT on that basis.
The survey also found that one in three women have experienced
sexism in the workplace.