After almost 40 years in the IT Industry, it has become really clear to me that we do not help our women reach their potential. Not only in IT, but in all walks of life. We are still failing to achieve equality in the workplace and in the Boardroom.
I was a working mother with two sons, that definitely had an impact on me reaching my full potential. I was very lucky when I joined the final organisation I worked for, my capability was recognised and for many years and I was able to do interesting and fulfilling work, and was recompensed for it, although still not on the same scale as the men I worked with! I could never break through the glass ceiling. The organisation tried to set up a global mentoring programme for women by women, but it failed miserably.
I spent some time one weekend with an organisation I have been involved with one way or another for many years, I spent much of that weekend talking to other women and realised just how endemic the issue is. Out of that weekend the idea was born to set up an independent organisation specialising in mentoring women. Last year I resigned from full time employment and did something I never dreamed I would do, I went travelling for six months. I talked to lots of women in the countries I travelled to, making me believe that this needs to be a global movement/organisation.
I am looking for like minded women who care about this and want to get involved. This will be an independent service, for which organisations or individuals will pay an annual subscription to become members of. If you think you have what it takes to become a mentor and enable women get in touch and lets talk.
If you are someone who is looking for a mentor, please also get in touch. I already have a number of women in different fields who are keen to work with you.