• Global business event proves a universal success
• Cisco lifts the lid on female-recruitment drive
• Connected Women in Technology
• Tackling the Global Shortage of Skilled Network Engineers
• Cisco Networking Academy works with UNIFEM in Jordan and Morocco
• Scholarships Attract Women to the ICT Industry in Nepal
• Women's Empowerment Program Boosts Career Prospects
• The Digital Divide: Gender, location, access
• Famous women inventors through history
• Innovation through diversity
• Add an article

Connected Women in Technology

Sometimes, even when you're surrounded by your colleagues in IT, you can feel quite isolated in the workplace and it seems to be that wherever you work people's challenges are quite similar. Recognising this, Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, LloydsTSB and IBM all got together to arrange the inaugural meeting of "Connecting Women in Technology" which was held on 6th March. Thanks to Microsoft, Aurora were invited to attend the launch of this exceptional event which boasted a host of high profile speakers, engaging and informative presentations, lively discussions and speed networking opportunities with over 100 highly successful women from Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, LloydsTSB and IBM.

Connecting Women in Technology was all about communication: within companies, across companies, across boundaries, across geographies. There were sessions on how women's networks have and can change the community, encourage women to return to work after a career break, and Eileen Brown from Microsoft explained how a chat with another women in IT over a glass of wine sparked the idea and started the success story rolling. Eileen says:

"My inspiration for this initiative started when I was chatting to a female friend who works for another IT company. We were talking about the challenges she faced as a woman in her organisation. I realised that she talked about the same issues that women at Microsoft sometimes highlight. I thought that if I could connect women from different IT companies together so that women could network with each other, then they would be able to communicate and support each other when similar challenges arise. I hope that as this initiative grows and we gain momentum, more and more companies will collaborate with us in our project team"

There was a speed networking session which raised the roof and also allowed attendees to share their thoughts and challenges and discover how women in other companies overcame their issues which effect so many of us in work today. The panel discussion saw representatives from Microsoft, Cisco, Dell, LloydsTSB and IBM answer questions from the audience who could ask or text in their burning questions for the panel which proved to be a huge success and was very informative.

We spoke with Caroline Buckingham, a member of the Project Team, who had this to say about the event:

"Connecting Women in Technology was an idea that each one of us bought into straight away and due to such energy and passion, we were all able to organise this event in only 6 weeks and have over 100 women attend. The networking session was probably the most energetic and focused session that I have experienced and through this, we have all made some fantastic contacts who will be able to help each of our organisations and women's networks. We expect this event to take place every 6 months with each organisation hosting on their premises in order to give the audience a real insight into the companies who are supporting this fantastic network. There are already more organisations who would like to become part of this network which is such great news and the sky is the limit on what we can achieve through this wonderful network of successful women in IT"

Nikki Walker, Cisco's Director Inclusion and Diversity and a key member of the Project Team, reflected on the event and told us:

"I am overwhelmed by the amount of positive interest and feedback generated by our first 'Connecting Women in Technology' event! We had less than three months to put the event together, the teamwork and the interest we've received has been amazing. Over 100 women attended and 76% completed the survey before leaving. 98% said they would attend another event and 99% found this kind of forum allowed them to feel comfortable, so they could meet and mix with peers from other companies. With great feedback like that, we are now planning our next event which will take place on October 7th.

Topics women wanted to hear more about included; effective negotiation skills, mentoring and role models, dealing with the "old boys network" and pushing yourself outside the comfort zone. so these amongst others, will be some of the topics we will look to address at our October event. I'm still receiving calls from people asking if they can be involved ... I think we can safely say ... this is only the beginning!"

The "Connecting Women in Technology" event, held in Bedfont Lakes, successfully brought to light that no matter where you work, you can all be part of an amazing collective of women in IT. Congratulations to all the inspiring women involved in making this dream an essential reality. Watch this space for updates on the next event, which will no doubt be just as successful as its celebrated opening.

Whats your opinion?