Microsoft SmartWomen Project Celebrated at the European Business Awards

Microsoft's SmartWomen initiative was celebrated with an award at the European Business Awards in Rome this week. The project, put together by Microsoft Malta, managed to stand out from the crowd when it comes down to Information Communication Technology effectiveness. SmartWomen debuted in the first half of 2008 and is a joint effort between Microsoft Malta and the Ministry for Communications and National Projects in Malta. In this sense, SmartWomen is illustrative of the Redmond company's commitment to the EMEA region related to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) educational programs developed in partnership with local governments.

“This is a signal award for the Microsoft Malta citizenship program. Led by Fiorella Ellul Sullivan, we have spent the last 5 years working an active and diverse CSR program. I believe that it also reflects the singular contribution Microsoft makes within the local communities it is present within, no matter the size or location,” stated Pierre Mallia, general manager, Microsoft Malta.

As the name implies, SmartWomen is an initiative dedicated to women in Malta. Specifically, Microsoft has worked to ensure that Maltese women can benefit from a higher employability rate because of ICT certifications. Essentially a collection of training courses, SmartWomen offers women the possibility of developing a range of IT skills, from the most basic level to developer, and beyond, including administrator and even business worker. The initiative is not singular for Microsoft, as the company is focusing on similar projects across Europe in order to help citizens build the IT skills for the workplace of the 21st century.

“The European Business Awards, which took place this year in Rome, are designed to recognize and promote excellence, best practice and innovation in the European business community. The awards are run in line with the broad aims of the European Union and business representative groups across the member states, and highlight the achievements of individuals or organizations across a variety of disciplines,” Microsoft explained.