Talent Bank directory: background information and statistics
Women are entitled to their rightful say in decision-making, for democratic reasons and gender equity, and for sound commercial and policy reasons. Yet, the percentage of women appointed to State boards seldom reaches 40%, though this has been an official government target since 1991. And in science the situation is worse: for some 40 State boards, WITS found that only 27% of appointees were women, the same as in 1997 (see table below). Clearly, something needs to be done to bring about change. A reason often cited for not appointing women is difficulty locating suitable candidates. Hence the WITS Talent Bank.
The Talent Bank is a directory of expert women scientists, engineers and technologists who are willing to serve on advisory, selection or management boards, and compiled by WITS following an extensive nationwide trawl and an independent assessment and scrutiny.
The directory profiles over 150 women, from the public and private sectors including industry and business, education and research, and with expertise in the broad arena of science, engineering and technology. Their experience is relevant to areas ranging from industrial development and social policy, to environment and relations with Europe. The information provided on each participant gives particulars of careers, education, expertise and specialisations.
WITS believes this Talent Bank will increase women's opportunities to contribute to policy making, redress the balance on boards and high-level committees, and improve the public profile of women scientists and engineers. This work should also identify a whole new generation of potent role models to inspire young women. This is an important aspect of maximising the potential of women in SET (science, engineering and technology), which was earmarked by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment as an important economic issue.
Nominating bodies receiving a copy of this directory include: government ministers; regional and local authorities; Universities and Institutes of Technology; organisations such as IBEC, IFA, CIF and trade unions. The Talent Bank is a resource which will give each minister and all nominating bodies an opportunity to achieve gender balance, especially in areas less traditionally filled by women.
Table 1: Representation of women on State boards, 1998 and 2004
( - - indicates this board not established in 1998)