Time for some positive action

Last year, Women in Film & Television responded to a DCMS inquiry into new media and the creative industries by asking the government to do the following to increase women’s contribution to the new media economy:

a.Research and map the employment of women in new media sectors

b.Encourage the establishment of women only networks

c.Encourage women-only training courses and mentoring schemes

d.Encourage the establishment of an online media resource for women to access knowledge, training and information

The DCMS report has now been published. Sadly there's no mention of women's position in digital technology, let alone a suggestion of any legislation or even guidelines to rectify the situation.

Why does this government persist in being 'light touch' when it comes to industry, yet so heavy-handed when it comes to our personal lives (cf. smoking, drinking and when babies should be playing with their toes)?

There's clearly an imbalance.

On a positive note, it's good to learn from the DTI that they are planning to launch a knowledge transfer network for the creative industries - in theory, this will provide a forum for debate and, hopefully, precipitate some positive change.

I'll be reviewing Technical Change and discussing ways to promote women to leading roles in digital media at The Lighthouse in Glasgow on 21 June. The seminar is open to all and further details can be found here.