Women in Technology

May 14, 2012

Posted By:  i-am-a-woman

4 Votes

Status: Archived

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Dear Dell,

During last month's Copenhagen summit, your moderator Mads Christensen made it VERY clear that women are not valued in your company or in the technology field, with comments such as:

"The IT business is one of the last frontiers that manages to keep women out."
"There are almost no girls in this room, and I am happy. Why are you here at all?"
"We can thank women for the rolling pin."
"Shut up, bitch!"

Rather than immediately issuing a sincere apology and clearly opposing Mr. Christensen's comments, Dell's response included such gems as "we are sorry if some were offended."

I have supported and recommended Dell's products for many years.  But just as Dell is unwilling to support women, this woman is now unwilling to support Dell.

Sincerely,
A Woman

For more information:
http://elektronista.dk/kommentar/dresscode-blue-tie-and-male/
http://news.cnet.com/8301-31322_3-57431869-256/why-we-need-to-keep-talking-about-women-in-tech/

4 Votes | 4 Comments | Report Abuse

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  • May 14, 2012     Comment Link

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    Posted By: IdeaStorm Moderator Cy_J

    I wanted to add that on Google+ Dell has posted an expanded statement on the issue.
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  • May 14, 2012     Comment Link

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    Posted By: IdeaStorm Moderator Cy_J

    Thank you for the feedback.  I would like to refer you back to the CNET article which has been updated with a comment from Kelly McGinnis, Dell's Vice President of Global Communications.
     
    "We can tell you that the moderator's attempted humor does not reflect Dell's values, or its strong record on and commitment to diversity and equal opportunity. Dell has been recognized for its diversity practices, including by Working Mother magazine, which has named Dell four consecutive years to its best 100 companies in the U.S. In addition, Dell's Women Powering Business initiative strives to help women entrepreneurs and technologists expand their networks while offering capabilities to help them use technology to do more."

     
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  • May 14, 2012     Comment Link

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    Posted By: delete

    Amen!
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  • May 14, 2012     Comment Link

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    Posted By: JDoucet

    Dear Dell;

    I am also in 100% agreement with this poster. I was surprised when I read this article that Dell would first make the poor decision to have Mr. Christensen as a moderator, and then the second poor decision to issue the weak "non-apology".  

    I have several Dell products in my home, but will be making a point of not purchasing your products in the future and will avoid doing business with your partners as well. 

    Thank you for making this consumer's decision easy!