Women in Technology holds first meeting of Irish wing

A gathering of 100 technology industry professionals - all women - is so unusual as to be positively invigorating.

But the group at UCD's O'Reilly Hall last Wednesday was a sight the organisers of Women in Technology International (WITI) hope to see more often in the Republic, after the inaugural meeting of an Irish chapter of the US-based group.

A worldwide non-profit organisation with 37 chapters and 50,000 members, WITI provides networking opportunities for women working in the information technology industry.

The group also places great emphasis on mentoring - encouraging successful women at the top of the industry to give advice and support to those starting their careers.

"I think we'd all agree that women are still under-represented in technology," said Ms Annette Condon, communications manager at Dell Computer, which hosted the event.

"We feel it's time to work together with the Government to encourage women in this sector."

The group plans to meet every other month and hold workshops and panel discussions. Members can avail of WITI's international jobs network.

The group will also set up a programme where women professionals will talk to schoolgirls about careers in technology and serve as role models.

"If you don't catch them by about 13, their ideas about technology are pretty much formed," said Ms Pat Nathan, Dell vice-president of diversity and founder of WITI's British branch.

"We like to talk to them and show them we aren't geeks and nerds, and that this is a wonderful industry to work for."

She noted that, although a third of all Dell employees were women, only 18 per cent of management and 5 per cent of senior executives were women, figures that were echoed across the technology sector, she said.

"WITI is about getting more women through the door," Ms Nathan said.

"I think organisations like this have a great role to play," said the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Ms Harney, who spoke at the launch.

The British chapter, established in 2000, now has 200 members from 27 companies.

Companies or individuals interested in joining the Irish chapter may contact Ms Condon at (01) 204-5200 or annette_condon @dell.com.