Event Report & Video - Helping young Women to realize their potential in technology

The Women in IT session which took place July 7th in cooperation with the French Presidency, the Women’s Forum and European SchoolNet featuring a high level debate on how to raise awareness and develop specific policy to address the need of promoting deeper participation of young women in technology and science studies.

The event was the opportunity for 15 young imagine cup competitors/finalists to share the stage and be role models for 15 young European high school girls invited to participate and help them focus their future studies in the area of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) as well as highlighting Microsoft commitment in this important issue.

This event took place as an official event of the French EU Presidency. It was endorsed by the EU Commissioner of Education, Youth and Culture, Jan Figel and gathered more than 250 attendees (including French and European ministries cabinet members, policymakers, industry representatives, teachers and international journalists...).

“I congratulate not only Microsoft but this forum, everybody individually, because you are good examples of those who are not commenting and lamenting, but taking real actions”
Jan Figel,
EU Commissioner Education, Youth and Culture

Revivez l’événement !

Thaima Samman, Associate General Counsel and Senior Director Corporate Affairs & Corporate Social responsibility moderated a panel of high level speakers including:
Jan Figel, EU Commissioner for Education & Youth, detailing the recent changes in the EU Education programs and importance of public-private partnership
Claudie Haignere, Astronaut and former IT and Research Minister, providing a great role model for young women, shared her personal experience
Simon Brown, Microsoft DPE Vice President, illustrating strong employment opportunities for girls by pointing-out the recruitment and awareness programs in place
Aude de Thuin, President of the Women’s Forum for Economy, stressing the necessity of building more women networks
Marc Durando, Director of EU SchoolNet, summarizing the key trends for young women in the various EU countries.


Aude de Thuin President of the Women’s Forum	Janina (IC finalist) with Thaima Samman Microsoft Associate General Counsel Corporate Affairs	Claudie Haignere Astronaut and former Minister	Simon Brown Microsoft DPE Vice President

This initiative will continue to be developed in the coming months with a rich agenda including:

Deauville Women’s Forum (mid-October): where Lisa Brummel (Microsoft corp HR VP) has tentatively agreed to appear and highlight the work of Microsoft to grow women leaders in the information society and economy. We and our partners will hold during the forum the SciTech Girl day to promote young women's participation in scientific studies and where we will present the work of partner NGOs working on women issues as part of our CTLCs program.
We are also preparing an event on Entrepreneurship Leadership and the role of Mentoring Women under French Presidency in the Spring 2009 for the Czech Presidency.