W-techis
one of the first larger-scale IT events to be aimed specifically at
women. Its organisers hope to generate more of a buzz and sense of
direction around the issue of gender balance in IT.
The
debate has been raging for years, coloured by fiercely held
opinions. But women have never had a real focal point behind which
to throw their energies if they want to do something, or even just
discuss, the lack of diversity in IT.
Conference organiser Jan Peters wants this to change, and is
taking a "together we're stronger" approach, asking companies to
agree to collective action instead of disparate, individual
initiatives.
"It is not just one organisation that takes responsibility for
making sure that women are encouraged," she said. "We want to
connect everyone up so we are all talking about the same thing. We
want companies to work with us and take W-tech forward, and look at
how we can harness some of the energy and enthusiasm there is."
Around 1,200 women registered for the first
W-tech
conference, held on Wednesday 24 June, which showcased recruiters
as well as providing networking opportunities and speakers.
Kate Craig-Wood, founder of Memset, a carbon-neutral ISP, said
the debate about the role of women in IT needs a wider focus.
"There are lots of people talking about little things and we
need to pool them. There is definitely a perception that women
can't do IT - dealing with the archetypal white 40-something male
in corporate IT is especially difficult. I have to try really hard
to get them to accept my authority as a technologist."
While Peters said she would like to see more technical topics
being discussed, the conference had a heavy emphasis on the
cultural issues of working in a male-dominated environment.
Valerie White, a compliance specialist and senior executive
officer at the Identity and Passport Service, said the event was
"informative and empowering".
"I came to develop myself and to see how women are doing in the
IT industry. It is useful to have events like this where we are
brought together, because there are so few of us," she said.
Project manager Sara O'Bryne said, "There were a couple of
really good seminars - one on building your online profile was
helpful, because it has given me the confidence to make more of
myself online. I would like to see different streams directed at
people at different stages in their career - it would have been
helpful to have more talks for people in their 30s or 40s.
"Generally I think we should be getting the same kind of
seminars that men would get. Too much talking about the problems
women face is one of the things holding women back."