Blackberry awards women technologists

Women who are leading the way in the technology industry, or who are using technology to be successful, are to be recognised in the first Blackberry Women and Technology awards.

The awards have been established by Research in Motion (RIM), which produces the Blackberry mobile device, and Aurora, a women’s business networking group.

Prizes will be given to women who have been successful in the academic world, journalism and public and private sectors. Top female mentors will also be recognised.

The awards aim to raise the profile of women in what has been a male-dominated world and to recognise the progress and achievement women have made both in the technology industry and in using technology. The event will be a celebration of the achievements of women and will also promote technology as a career for women.

Microsoft chief, Bill Gates, recently said that there were too few women working in technology and computer engineering. Women comprise only 17% of computer science degree entrants and most of these are from overseas.

The British Computer Society (BCS) found recently that 28% of UK organisations do not employ women technologists.

There are indications, however, that the situation is changing.

The BCS also recently reported that more girls are considering careers in technology. Sixty-five percent said they found their computer lessons interesting, and 27% said they would think about a career in this area.

The winners will receive their awards on 27 October in London.