It has been too long since we last updated our SETwomen subscribers, many apologies. This has been largely due to the lack of both time and energy to overcome various obstacles to making something sustainable happen that will also deliver value to you, the prospective members. We know exactly what you want - you told us very clearly in the survey - and although we are frustrated with the lack of progress, we're equally determined and patient to get there, and things are moving!

However, there is fantastic opportunity available to all women in technology which we wanted to bring to your attention. It is being organised by Sonja Bernhardt, arguably the highest profile women in technology in Australia. In addition to successfully running ThoughtWare, Sonja is the co founder of AWISE – Australian Women in IT and Science Entity, the founder of WIT – Women in Technology in Queensland. Sonja is also the only Australian inducted into the Hall of Fame for Women in Technology International (Silicon Valley – 2005). Sonja is working with SETwomen to secure two UK participants.

Sonja's project is that on one day, 11th August 2008, selected women in technology and their daily activities will be captured and profiled via photographic imagery and a diary of activity that day. The concept is to present a rolling "day in the life of women in technology," by capturing and presenting role models and images from across the world as the day rolls around the world. "Doing IT around the World" is not a traditional program. It is a different approach, a role model based initiative aiming to raise awareness and alter perceptions via reality based information presented in a way designed to capture global attention.

11 August 2008 is the day that the Hedy Lamarr’s Spread Spectrum Patent was approved in 1942. Spread Spectrum is the basis of frequency hopping, wireless and mobile communications we use today. While a glamorous Hollywood star, Hedy Lamarr was key to the patent, and using this date draws further attention to the role women in technology have played historically.

The ultimate aim is to smash through the commonly held (mis)perceptions of women in technology and work towards addressing the IT skills shortage, by providing real-world role models and pathways on technology careers for younger generations and career changers. A key goal is to grab the attention of a wide variety of media across the globe as well as the general public through a coordinated media campaign in October. We want to demonstrate what women in IT can and do achieve in every continent, and raise awareness of careers in IT and the wonderful diversity of people who can contribute. Read more here (PDF 204K).

If you, or someone you know, would like to be considered for participation, please email bev@setwomen.co.uk as soon as possible, giving a short overview of what you do, and why you'd like to take part. If accepted, you will not need to do anything other than provide good quality photographs taken on 11th August, and a profile of yourself - we'll provide further information on this.