Technology will not benefit half the world's population if women do not participate in the design of our technological future a leading US technologist said in Dublin today.
Dr Robin Jeffries, a leading engineer with US technology giant Sun Microsystems, said women themselves have a responsibility to ensure that women are not disadvantaged by the manner in which technology and science will develop.
Dr Jeffries was in Dublin to address a Women in Technology Seminar organised by Dún Laoghaire Institute of Art, Design and Technology.
She said "Currently, almost half of the available labour force worldwide - women - are failing to prepare themselves for technology related jobs."
She noted that the number of female graduates in science and engineering is declining while demand is increasing.
She called for more women to consider a career in technology. "If we do not, then the we risk a future where women will only be able to participate as second class citizens", she said.
Citing US examples Dr Jeffries said just 11 per cent of PhDs and eight per cent of professorships on computer science in 1998 were awarded to women.
"The reality is, technology provides a really great level of choice, excellent earnings and the opportunity to make a real difference to the economy and society.
While this option is open both to women and men, women are in the minority in choosing this career path", DrJeffries said.