The KAN project, partially funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) has evolved from findings from the ESF national Women in IT (WINIT) project which uncovered various barriers to women working in the IT industry throughout England. These findings included issues related to the severe under-representation of women in IT that can lead to isolation with a lack of access to mentoring and business and social support and networking. This has resulted in women in the IT sector facing obstacles in advancing their careers and therefore often taking their skills elsewhere.
WINIT reported that those working in IT SMEs or where there was no structured human resources (HR) function needed a 'one stop shop' for information on legislation, policies and good practice so discrimination at work could be overcome. Many women reported that networking opportunities were largely available only in London, yet access to networking is a significant way in which IT professionals can develop their careers. This lack of access has a detrimental effect on pay, rewards and progression for women in IT and acts as a push factor resulting in women leaving the IT sector. Furthermore there is a need for an accessible 'networking community' which would be beneficial to all women in the IT sector to enhance business opportunities and professional advancement.
Acknowledging this need for information in an easily accessible format and location and the need for women to network for mentoring, support and career development reasons, the KAN project will undertake research and develop a knowledge 'diversity direct' portal and provide virtual networking tools to establish an online forum available to women in IT throughout England, regardless of location or company size.
It is aimed that by the end of the project:
