CES 2015: Intel announces diversity programme for women & minorities

Computer chip corporation Intel has announced a diversity programme to encourage more women and minorities into careers in technology.

In its much-praised keynote speech at CES, Intel CEO Brian Krzanich championed diversity, pledging $300 million in a serious effort to support better representation in technology and gaming. ‘I’m announcing our intention to lead by example. I invite the entire tech industry to join us,’ he said, as reported by The Next Web.

In 2014, a series of incidents raised the question of under-representation in the industry, from Gamergate to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella’s ostensible suggestion that women should not ask for raises or promotions.

It seems that the industry is responding to such incidents – only a few months ago, Facebook and Pinterest announced a mentorship programme for women after their most recent diversity reports showed that white males still dominate.

According to Intel’s own diversity report, 57% of Intel’s work force is white, while more than three quarters of the company as a whole is made up of men.

Krzanich said that he would focus on significantly increasing the hiring and retention of women and minorities, and would target primary and higher educational institutions as a way of promoting careers in the fields of engineering and computer science in particular. He also plans to work with partners such as the National Center for Women in Technology, and said that Intel plans to be open about the progress of its efforts.

“This isn’t just good business,” he said. “This is the right thing to do.”

Main image: ‘Women Who Code’ event, Alaina Percival at Flickr Creative Commons

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