The Employment experiences of Women in Australian Information Communication Technology Industry

This paper presents the results of a survey of the employment experiences of women in the Australian Information Communications Technology (ICT) industry. The survey was conducted in 2008 in response to a perceived lack of data within the sector concerning the working experiences of women. It examines a range of features associated with women employed in the sector - including socio - demographic characteristics, types of jobs held, level of remuneration received, hours worked and balance between work and other life issues. The paper also examines the career aspirations and obstacles experienced within the industry. A comparative analysis of three cohorts of survey respondents is then undertaken according to qualifications, employment status, salary range, years in ICT, hours worked and perceived career issues. The cohorts include women under the age of thirty five, those between thirty five and forty nine and women aged over fifty. The paper concludes with an overview of the career stages of women in the ICT sector.