Resumen
The information technology (IT) skills shortage in Australia is a complex problem involving human resource management, education and social factors. A notable part of the problem is the declining participation of women in IT education and work over the past two decades. A longitudinal study that is being conducted since 1995- called Women in Information Technology, WinIT, suggests that cultural factors influence both the decision by women to enter the IT industry and the success of female IT professionals. The high percentage from Asian backgrounds studying toward IT degrees in Australia supports the argument that different ethnic groups view IT education differently. Taking these factors into account, it is possible to now offer recommendations for educators, employees and policymakers, as well as IT managers, on how to attract and retain more women in the IT workforce and support their career aspirations. There is something paradoxical about the current IT skills shortage in Australia. The country has all attributes and incentives to be a strong performer in the global IT economy. However, in spite of the well-publicized demand for these skills, the high salaries paid to qualified IT workers and high youth unemployment, IT work remains unattractive to the majority of young Australians