Your article highlights some fundamental truths about the role of women in the IT world today (Feminine skills thrive in IT market).
Those that choose IT as a career can and do flourish. However, the numbers entering the sector are still not what they should be.
In my experience, women who make it in business tend to be innovative, excellent team players and good communicators - all key attributes for the IT sector.
The pressing issue is how best to harness these skills and characteristics so they look to the computer industry to make their living.
Undoubtedly, the soaring popularity of social networking sites such as Facebook has helped elevate IT as a viable, rewarding career option for women more than ever before.
However, education institutions need to teach the subject to girls in an accessible, interesting way. One method is for schools and colleges to focus on case studies of successful women who have worked in the sector, such as Martha Lane Fox of Lastminute.com and Meg Whitman, founder of eBay. A good role model is one of the finest persuaders there is.
Companies also need to do more to publicise how the growth of broadband has made home working a very real option.
As more women, especially those with children, hanker for greater flexible working opportunities, IT provides the perfect platform to juggle a career with a successful family life.
Indeed, the Web 2.0 age is a great boom for women in business generally. For example, we have teamed up with the Everywoman.com web site to champion the cause of female entrepreneurs and their pioneering spirit.
IT has so many benefits for society that it should no longer be seen as the preserve of the male geek. Gender should not and does not present any barriers to anyone passionate about working in the industry.
Jennifer Mowat
Director, BT Tradespace