Women's Leadership in the Public Sector on the Agenda - WCT Launches Support Network for Women in Government ICT

OTTAWA, Oct. 22, 2015 /CNW/ - Women in Communications and Technology (WCT) is proud to announce a Public Sector Network for women in technology and science, launched October 21^st at GTEC,  the largest gathering of federal government workers in technology.

The announcement brought over 400 public and private sector workers together to discuss strategies for promoting women in information, communications and technology (ICT) in the public sector.

Championing this initiative is Vidya ShankarNarayan, Director General Enterprise Services, Employment and Social Development Canada.  Ms ShankarNarayan explained that the WCT Public Sector Network will provide a forum within the WCT National Capital Regional Chapter for public sector women working in technology and science jobs to network across government departments, levels and with women from the private sector to work together towards career advancement.

Corinne Charette, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Spectrum, Information Technologies and Telecommunications, Industry Canada, is on the Senior Advisory Council for the WCT PS Network. "There are roughly 6000 women working in technology, engineering and science roles across all federal government departments" said Ms. Charette.  "The Government needs to leverage the talent of our entire workforce - both men and women professionals.  Providing a community of support for women in these roles will enable them to learn from each other and from successful mentors as they grow professionally and seek leadership positions which they may not have vied for in the past."

The WCT Public Sector Network is the first of its kind for ICT women in governments in Canada. "WCT is a national grassroots organization providing support to women in communications, technology and digital media across Canada," said Joanne Stanley, Executive Director. "Our goal is to create a forum for women in ICT in all sectors, public and private, to access career development programs such as mentorship designed for their needs and interests."

About the WCT Public Sector Network www.wct-fct.com

The Public Sector Network will be a government wide forum designed to engage women in ICT and science careers. The network spans all government departments, creating a community for women to network across departments, levels and with women from the private sector, as well as take advantage of professional development and mentorship programs. The PS Network, championed by Ms ShankarNarayan, will be overseen by a senior advisory council consisting of John Glowacki, Chief Operating Officer, Shared Services Canada, Corinne Charette, Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, Spectrum, Information Technologies and Telecommunications, Industry Canada, Namir Anani, President and CEO Information and Communications Technology Council, Meena Ballantyne, Head of Agency at Status of Women Canada, and Mostafa Zommo, recently retired as the Special Advisor to the President and Chair of the Shared Services Canada Academy.

SOURCE Canadian Women in Communications & Technology

Mathea Stevens at [email protected], [phone] ext 103