FEMALE engineers, IT experts and tech professionals have launched a group to showcase their work and give women a stronger voice in the world of technology.

More than 50 people attended a launch event to hear the stories of women who work in a field still dominated by men.

The event was inspired by Seemin Suleri, director of engineering for insurance tech business Prima, and organised by Sharon Jones, south coast cluster coordinator for the Women’s Engineering Society. Supported by Dorset Digital Skills Partnership, it brought together women at all stages of their careers.

Seemin Suleri said: “I was incredibly proud to be a part of a panel with these inspirational women who are making things happen every day.

“We very much look forward to holding more Women in Tech Dorset events and hope to see more people join us.”

The event was held at the Christchurch STEP Centre of BAE Systems Digital Intelligence.

The company’s head of business operations, Ed Taylor, said: “It was a privilege for BAE Systems Digital Intelligence to support the launch of the inspiring Women in Tech network in Dorset, and meet so many women in the community and hear shared experiences first hand.

“As a business, we are committed to supporting and promoting women in STEM roles, and value networks such as WiT Dorset that have a shared mission to support diversity and inclusion across industry.”

Networking breakouts enabled attendees to explore what they would like to gain from the group. They also discussed how to promote opportunities with Dorset employers such as JP Morgan, Ageas, BAE Systems and digital agencies.

Penny Syddall of Dorset Council, a member of the Dorset Digital Skills Partnership steering group, said: “Our partnership, which includes both Dorset councils and the education and business sectors, was formed to make sure we have the skills needed in the workforce to support the local economy.

By bringing very talented and experienced women together we can not only highlight the great skills we already have in the county but also promote Dorset as a place to do business and where everyone can succeed in STEM.”

The Women in Tech Dorset network will host monthly online webinars and quarterly events across Dorset, with the first webinar planned for Wednesday, March 8, International Women’s Day, at 4.30pm.

Search for “WiTD for International Women’s Day” at Eventbrite.co.uk or the Women in Tech Dorset group on LinkedIn.