The challenges faced by the female CIO

There is no question that it takes just a little more of everything--risk-taking and hard work, for example--for women to rise to the pinnacle in any organization. Getting there requires determination and leadership skills. Women have to earn the trust of higher-ups and IT professionals, and they have to deal with egos and politics. It takes courage and tenacity to break down barriers. Risk-taking is also critical; female IT leaders don't fear risk. Sometimes mentors play a role, taking a risk on a female high-flyer by promoting her to the next level. Women who have families have it even rougher, because women are generally still viewed as the primary caregivers. But although great strides have been made, the number of women who make it to the post of CIO are relatively few, and according to Cutter Consortium, the lack of women entering the IT field may mean that even fewer women become CIOs in the coming years.

To read more about women as IT leaders:
- read the CIO Decisions article

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