Microsoft to sponsor IT event for women

16:09 15th January 2009

US technology giant Microsoft will be the main sponsor of W-Tech 2009, an event designed to offer support to women wanting to get into or progress in IT, it was confirmed today (January 15th).

The event, which is the first free, large-scale motivational and recruitment showcase of its type (BCS), will feature exhibits from 20 companies in London on February 3rd.

Dr Jan Peters, manager of the British Computer Society's Women's Forum - which jointly organised the day with womenintechnology.co.uk - expressed her delight at having Microsoft on board.

She said: "We are thrilled to have Microsoft as the headline sponsor for W-Tech 2009. Their commitment to building a diverse profession is second to none.

"It sends out a strong signal to women that IT is a definite and worthwhile career option and that organisations do want to invest in female IT professionals."

She added that the event would be perfect for women looking to "enliven" their IT careers or those who are merely interested in starting up in the industry.

Microsoft was founded in Albuquerque in the US back in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen.