Women participation in IT sector only 18.27 percent: Report

Latest study has revealed that participation of women in the information technology (IT) sector in Nepal is very negligible.

According to National IT Workforce Survey 2005 carried out by the Computer Association of Nepal (CAN), representation of women in IT sector is only 18.27.

Similarly, women in this profession earn less than their male counterparts. While men professionals earn around Rs 14,169 a month, female make only Rs 9,508.

The report says that majority of IT professionals - 78.80 percent - have no university degrees. Out of 4000 IT professionals, only around 1,000 have obtained formal IT education from recognized colleges and universities while, among the university degree holders, 77.2 percent completed courses in Nepal. 13.6 IT professionals got their degrees from foreign countries while the remaining entered into this profession after trainings from computer institutes.

Mainly three ethnic communities - Brahmins, Chettris and Newars - coming from hilly parts dominate the IT sector while the involvement of other ethnic groups is in 4.02 percent.

The survey reveals that only 22.49 percent of the workforce is engaged in real information and communication activities such as programming, software and hardware development, networking and animation while 71.28 percent manpower is engaged mostly in teaching, training and secretarial jobs. The report states that the number of IT professionals will grow by around 83 percent, making the number 7,335, by 2010.

Income-wise, this sector has proved to be very lucrative than many other professions, the report says. The average monthly earning (Rs 13,440) of an IT professional is six times better than the per capita income in urban areas, which stands at Rs 2,224. nepalnews sg Dec 14 03