Women In Media Initiative Launched

A new initiative to support and encourage women employed in digital media has been launched this week by Wired Sussex. ‘Women In Media’ is designed to inspire, increase and sustain women working in the digital media industry across Sussex.

Launched with a champagne reception at Brighton’s Ha! Ha! Bar, on International Woman’s Day – 8 March 2005 - Women In Media aims to reach not only those already working in the digital media sector, but also young women wishing to enter the industry.

The inaugural event attracted over 90 people from a wide selection of the digital media community who enjoyed a selection of breakfast canapés and a glass of Bucks Fizz before Nick Underhill, Wired Sussex director, and Tara Solesbury, project manager, provided an overview of Women In Media and its website, which will act as a hub for the project.

Business development consultant Hilary Kelsh - who will facilitate many of the training sessions - and Paula Murray from Brighton and Hove City Council also supported the event with brief inspiring speeches. Paula expressed the Council’s support for women working in this sector: 'Creative businesses account for around one fifth of companies in Brighton and Hove and it is one of the fastest growing sectors in the city. However, the industry is fragmented and there is a need for cohesive networking and training initiatives.'

'Brighton and Hove’s creative firms are often started by graduates from Brighton and Sussex universities, alongside companies relocating to the area. It is also important that we encourage the city’s young residents to consider careers in creative jobs and become our future entrepreneurs. Women In Media will support this goal by targeting girls at school as well supporting those already working in the industry.'

Research will be undertaken early in the project to map the critical barriers and issues that affect women within the digital media industry. The results will be delivered through all Women In Media partners, the website and at the Women In Media Conference, planned for International Woman’s Day 2007.

For more information on Women In Media visit www.womeninmedia.co.uk

The Women In Media Launch was sponsored in-kind by Brighton Wine School, Gunns Flowers and Simultane and photographed by Sal Jefferies.

Click on thumbnails below for full size images.