The European Centre for Women and Technology (ECWT) was established by multi-stakeholder representatives who share the common vision that  ECWT can measurably and significanlty increase the participation of women in the knowledge-based economy in Europe and globally.

Numerous European partners have been involved in the work of the ITF from the start. Parallel to the global efforts and led by the same concern, there have also been specific European initiatives (e.g. the annual Shadowing Event) supported by the European Commission.

In Europe the plans for setting-up of a European Centre were launched the 4-7th of March 2008 in Brussels through a series of activities:

• The 4th of March in the high-level meeting of the e-skills Industry Leadership Board  led by the Vice- President of the European Commission, Mr. Günther Verheugen where Hewlett Packard  Company, co-leaders of the work of the ITF, is represented by Mrs. Gabriela Zedlmayer, VP of Corporate Affairs;
• The 6th of March during the EU conference hosted by Mrs. Viviane Reding, European  Commissioner for the Information Society and Media where the importance of designing  a common policy framework for gender awareness at EU level was urged  through  DG INFSO’s recent study on Women and ICTs;
• The 7th of March when the 1st Multi-Stakeholder Partnership meeting was organised by the ITF and sponsored by the European Commission DG Information Society and Media.

Thereafter, in April the International Taskforce for Women and ICTs in Europe (ITF-Europe) was formed by 17 key European stakeholders and held its first meeting on the 18th of April.  ITF-Europe will remain in place – in a similar way as the global ITF until the 31st of December 2010 and assist with high-level expertise the setting-up and the work of the European Centre for Women and Technology.

Based on the decision of ITF-Europe made on the 9th of May 2008 the process has started to register the European Centre and secure its financing for the years 2008-2010.  

ECWT will be open for stakeholders to register from 1st of  September 2008. Registration is free of charge.