In one of the most recent ICT studies, it has been noted that the demand for ICT workers would increase as much as 100% by 2010 from 2008 all over the world, however, only a small percentage of skilled ICT workers may be available. It is a fact that the ICT sector is dominated by men and that it has been typecasted as an untraditional career for women.

It has been realized, however, that women are a big untapped source for ICT workers. In the modern times, it has always been challenged that women can do as men can. Microsoft, the biggest player in the ICT world, had even begun making initiatives to encourage more women to enter into careers that are ICT related. Thaima Samman, Associate General Counsel for Microsoft’s Corporate Affairs says that they are demonstrating that “ICT, an area traditionally associated with men, provides real and exciting career opportunities for women” as well. Microsoft believes that supporting innovations, entrepreneurship, and technological progress is the way forward and providing equal opportunities to both genders is just one aspect.

The reality in the ICT sector is that it needs the skills and abilities of women who naturally have them as strengths. It is a natural inclination for women to multitask, handle complex problems, and find the solution to problems in order to improve people’s lives. In career history, women generally perform well in management roles having also a natural penchant for stronger communication skills and higher emotional intelligence. Men, on the other hand, are stronger technical-wise, but ICT is not just a technical sector anymore.

In order to encourage more women to get into ICT there must be increased intensive available ICT program trainings and education accessible to women. It must be considered that in some cases, women have lower technical literacy levels than men and this must be addressed.

For any industry to survive and progress such as the ICT, the natural skills of both men and women must be accessed, and when women are successfully lured into the ICT world, there must be a flexible and supportive atmosphere that will encourage women to stay with the industry.