February 22, 2006

Dear All,

Sub : Enhancing the Sustainability of Women in IT through “eWIT” - An International Forum of Women in IT

I am happy to inform that STPI has encouraged the formation of a forum, “Empowering Women in Information Technology (‘eWIT’)”, which I understand it to be the first of its kind internationally.

The main objective of encouraging ‘eWIT’ is to bring about noteworthy changes in the mindset of women already in IT and to enhance the share of women in IT for their growth and empowerment. Our vision is to increase the share of women in IT Services to beyond the current level of 21% and to encourage more women in other IT related areas.

A recent study on 500 IT companies in this region regarding women IT professionals, is enclosed (Annexure I) which may be of interest to you.

We are happy to let you know that quite a few women who are already holding key positions in the IT industry have come forward to support the cause. This initiative has received wide appreciation and support from many men in the industry.

In order to strengthen eWIT further, we need your active support in this endeavor by encouraging corporate membership and continuous participation in the activities of eWIT.

We plan to have various programmes and events towards the empowerment of women in IT periodically. Such programmes would be possible only with valuable support and participation from organizations like yours. We would like the support of the men and women alike to make this forum as a successful one. More details about eWIT is provided in Annexure II.

STPI has taken keen interest in this initiative and on behalf of STPI, I request you to encourage us by becoming corporate member of eWIT and depute women from your organization to help accomplish our Objectives as well as benefit from the offerings.
In this direction, a preliminary meet has been planned to coincide with the occasion of the International Women’s Day on Wednesday, March 8, 2006. You are invited for this preliminary meet. The focus of this meet is to introduce eWIT, its objectives, its plans, etc. to you and get your valuable inputs and your corporate membership.

In this endeavor of ours, there would be a formal inauguration of the forum at a later date. Appreciate your filling the enclosed confirmation slip (Annexure III) and sending it back to us.

Sincerely,

Ms. Rajalakshmi
President