IT employers 'benefit from professional development courses'

IT sector employers could attract and retain more female workers if they implement a variety of measures important to them, it has been suggested. Jerri Barrett is director of marketing at the Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology and explained these best practice principles could help firms to inspire their women staff members. She noted technical females value professional development opportunities - and as such, companies should include initiatives such as mentoring, networking, technical and leadership progression within their career advancement strategies. Additionally, firms should deploy programmes that "take into consideration parental leave, emergency childcare and on-site and off-site day care, [as these] are extremely important to women, especially at the mid-level", Ms Barrett suggested. The Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology states it aims to enhance the impact of women in all aspects of technology, as well as increasing the positive influence of such media on females.