Removing the gender bias from IT

14:45 19th June 2008

The key to improving the balance of men and women working in IT careers is the removal of any sense of gender from the industry, one expert has argued.

IT journalist Nicole Kobie said that throughout her upbringing, she was exposed to technology. As a result, she has never been uncomfortable dealing with IT.

Far from a 'geeky' childhood, Ms Kobie claims she grew up with ballerina wallpaper and an obsession with ponies - the kind of things in which girls might stereotypically be interested.

However, in her blog on IT Pro, she wrote that playing with Nintendo consoles or using the internet were never considered to be 'boyish' in her household - an attitude which she believes should be extended to the wider IT industry.

"Just treat anyone like they have a right to be there, as thought there’s no reason they shouldn't be there, and they’ll be more willing to try and more likely to feel comfortable," she advised.

Her comments come as the Welsh assembly government and e-skills UK announced they are to set up computer clubs in Wales aimed at ten to 14-year-old girls.

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