The women in IT forum

Established in 2005, the Women in IT Forum is an industry-funded initiative with 1 800 members. It is focussed on creating greater awareness of IT as a valid career choice for women, to improve the gender imbalance in the industry. The forum is financed through corporate funding contributions. Donations are also made, in terms of time, for a variety of aspects involved with running the forum, from management duties to mentorship programmes. Companies can get involved by creating awareness of the initiative within their own organisation, attending networking events, becoming part of the executive committee, providing financial support, and providing mentors from leadership positions. The forum runs an annual bursary programme for a select number of IT students in their final or penultimate year of study at university or technical college. There is also a mentorship programme that helps young women in IT-related education, or their early IT career, by partnering them with a relevant mentor to offer advice and support. The forum also runs social networking events once a quarter. www.womeninit.co.za