This year's CIO of the Year nomination proved that the jury is not ready for a female laureate yet... The public voting pushed 2 women to the top 3 of the nominees list: Els Blaton (CIO AXA) and Sabine Everaet (Coca Cola Europe). And the title was awareded to... the only man in the top 3 (Daniel Lebeau GSK Biologicals).
The timing couldn't be have been more perfect for a female laureate. It would have been a clear statement and a support for women working in ICT. The award ceremony already proved that: more women than ever turned up yesterday evening (although they are obviously a minority in the IT crowd).
Our message to the jury: the industry is suffering from a poor image and is failing to attract young talents and women. Several studies show that women leave the industry because they feel unapprectiated or uncomfortable with the predominantly masculine culture. A lack of diversity in the teams decreases creativity and efficienty.
If IT wants to take up its strategic role, it will need to wake up and start involving women. A female CIO of the Year would have been a good start...
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I agree Michèle. However, on Feb 10 2011 we have She goes ICT. Time to put the spotlights on female it professionals :-) An
ReplyDeleteExcellent news, women in ICT will be anything but a commodity in 2011. Make sure your negotiation skills are up to speed ladies :)
ReplyDelete