Latest news : Lack of women studying IT

Only 15% of university computing students are female, according to recent findings by e-skills UK. 29/06/2011

The technology insights report also revealed that only 9% of students studying computing at A-level were female.

In March, the European Commission (EC) raised awareness of the lack of women working within the IT sector. Neelie Kroes, EC vice president for the Digital Agenda, called for efforts to be strengthened to attract women to IT. In a speech delivered on International Women’s Day, Neelie pointed to the importance of strong female role models within the ICT ‘hall of fame’. She emphasised that the use of such figures would inspire women to study the subject.

The UK’s largest IT graduate employer, FDM Group, believes in leading by example. The company has six women on its management board, which creates a majority of more than 50%.

‘To hold a female majority on any managerial board is unusual, but within the IT sector it is almost unheard of. We believe our recent achievements under this board emphasise just how important a strong female presence is to the future of the sector. We hope that more women will take note of our recent accomplishments and be encouraged to study the subject,’ said Sheila Flavell, chief operating officer at FDM.