Five major high-tech firms pledge to promote more ‘Cyberellas’

In today's global financial crisis, jobs in information and communication technologies (ICT) sectors like telecoms and the internet are reliable sources of growth and crucial for the recovery of the economy. However, the EU's competitiveness depends on attracting and keeping skilled workers, especially in the high-tech sector, including women. But while a shortage of around 300,000 qualified engineers is expected in the EU by 2010, less than 1 in 5 computer scientists are women. The European Commission responded in 2007 by encouraging telecoms and internet companies to attract more 'cyberellas' – women with ICT skills. As a result, five major ICT companies signed a Code of Best Practices for Women and ICT on 3 March, 2009. They are committing to do more to make tech jobs attractive for women and to make better use of and promote female potential in the ICT sector.