We need more women in technology

Yesterday was ‘Girls in ICT Day’ and the event is focused on encouraging more girls and young women to consider careers in ICT. Senator Deirdre Clune took part in a panel discussion in UCC yesterday evening in order to promote women in technology. She has written extensively on the topic, authoring a report “A review of the ICT skills demand inIreland” which was launched by the Jobs Committee.

“This is a great initiative which was first held in 2010. It is important to note that there are approximately 5000 unfilled vacancies in the technology area inIreland. This is a prime opportunity.

“Only 23% of all computer programmers in theUSare female. The lack of women working in the ICT sector appears to be a worldwide trend including inIreland.

“Traditionally there has always been a low uptake of females in the computer industry but these companies need females on their staff to contribute to the creativity and innovation in the business.

“Women with an aptitude for science have traditionally gone to the medicine or healthcare area but we need to see a shift in attitudes to fill the massive skills gap that is continuing to emerge in this industry.

“There have been a number of changes in our education system which will encourage young people to get involved in this flourishing sector. For example the 25 extra bonus points for sitting higher level maths, the NCCA are also developing a coding and programming subject for introduction in September 2014.

“50% of students are female, so it does not make sense to leave half of our home grown talent untapped. This is an opportunity for employers in the area to promote the opportunities of such a career. The industry needs to fly the flag of technology by going to universities and transition year career days.

“Globally, some outstanding women are setting the agenda in ICT. They are inspiring women with the drive and talent into choosing this as a career area.

“Ireland needs to nurture the women who will become the next leaders in the field like Marissa Mayer Sheryl Sandberg in the US.”