As part of the annual Cell C "Bring a girl child to work" initiative, Microsoft SA will kick off a four-month mentorship programme in an effort to attract more female learners to the information technology industry.
Ten girls from Gauteng high schools will be hosted at its head office in Bryanston, Johannesburg on Thursday, 26 May 2005.
The girls will spend the first day under the mentorship of the Microsoft Women`s Forum, which comprises of female employees from different cultural backgrounds and business units. The mentorship programme is designed to allow the girls exposure to different areas within the business as well as enabling the girls to maintain the relationships developed on the day.
The Women`s Forum will also be visiting three schools in Gauteng as well as a school in Cape Town to take work to grade 10 to 12 female pupils on the day.
"The technology industry does not have the desired number of women working within it. By exposing female learners to a technology company, such as Microsoft and in doing so via a structured mentoring programme, we hope to inspire more women to join this dynamic industry," says Cindy White, Home and Entertainment group manager at Microsoft SA.
In addition, Microsoft SA`s Home and Entertainment Division will run a `May Mouse Madness` campaign. For every Microsoft mouse bought in May 2005, Microsoft will donate R10 towards a bursary for a female learner. The funds raised will be allocated towards the tertiary education of the selected learner.
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Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.
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