Socitm holds women in IT launch event

Public sector body, The Society of Information Technology Management (Socitm) will officially launch its women in IT network at an event in September 2015. 

Sponsored by corporate partner Cannon, the event will take place on 23 September at The View, based at Cannon’s London offices. The event aims to create a networking environment to discuss experiences and ideas on how to advance the prospects of women in IT and digital.

The initiative is the brainchild of Socitm’s president Nadira Hussain, who also acts as customer services transformation manager at London Borough Tower Hamlets. 

Hussain spoke with Computer Weekly in May 2015 about her initial plans, and said promoting women in the technology sector “is vital to the future of our profession and will benefit everyone”. 

“It will improve the visibility of women in the society and more widely, provide support and encouragement to progress their careers and use them as role models to encourage young women into considering IT/ digital career choices – especially in local public services where you are making such a significant difference to people’s lives,” she said. 

The event will promote awareness and recognition of several successful women working in IT and in other areas.

Speakers will include Chi Onwurah, shadow cabinet office minister; Sue Black, award-winning computer scientist and academic; Mary McKenna, technology entrepreneur and angel investor;  Nivedita Krishnamurthy of Capgemini; Vanessa Vallely, founder of WeAreTheCity; Socitm representative of Hammersmith and Fulham Jackie Hudson and Socitm representative of Hackney Christine Peacock.

The event aims to continue the research and discussion around the benefits of employing a diverse workforce.

“Socitm is a great platform for creating a network through which the interests and visibility of women can be advanced in public and private sectors,” added Hussain.