Women in technology

Shadow business minister Chi Onwurah has recently put forward new ideas to increase the number of women working in engineering and technology. Amongst other suggestions, discussed in an article by Louise Peacock in The Daily Telegraph, she suggested that the awarding of government contracts should be dependent on the companies involved having a minimum number of female staff. Her other suggestions include more prizes and awards schemes for female scientists and technologists. Ms Onwurah was an electrical engineer for 23 years before joining parliament in 2010 and says that she has ‘definitely’ experienced sexism. Currently 94% of engineers are men, according to recent research. An additional report by the Institute of Engineering and Technology calls for women to be encouraged into the profession at an earlier age. It also calls for more flexible working arrangements to be available. For more on these proposals to encourage women into technology read more at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/women/womens-politics/9618140/Call-for-minimum-number-of-female-staff-in-tech-firms.html