Cisco empowers women In ICT via internal employee resource group
Cisco Systems Inc, worldwide leader in networking solutions has continually recognised the need for more female participation in the high-technology industry with programmes to help them develop their skills as individual contributors, managers, and executives, including an internal employee resource group.
The Networking giant has programs and resources dedicated to the development of women are called the Cisco Connected Women (CCW).
Over the last ten years the CCW at Cisco, has grown to over 38 chapters, offering more than 4000 global members opportunities for development, networking and generating new business.
CCW contributes to a strategic effort to enhance Cisco’s success in attracting, developing and retaining talented female employees.
Cisco Systems Nigeria also participates in the CCW, allowing female Cisco employees to meet and discuss their involvement in the ICT industry and how the participation of women is on the positive rise.
Speaking about CCW Nigeria, Olakunle Oloruntimehin, Country Manager Cisco Nigeria, said: “CCW Nigeria has over 15 employees as its members, which accounts for 50 per cent of employees in the Nigerian office.
The CCW Nigeria activities are strategically executed by core team of volunteers lead by the CCW leads, with the guidance of executive sponsors and thought leaders.
The volunteers develop programs in line with the Cisco’s business guidelines, employee network directions and needs as per the local culture.
As a high technology company which believes in the power of the ‘human network’, Cisco recognizes the importance of a very diverse work force and the value of employee mobility.
In line with its inclusive organisational culture, Cisco has a number of employee networks to support the development, and growth opportunities of staff.
The Cisco Sales Associates Program (CSAP) is one of such opportunities. It is the most highly coveted early-in-career development programs designed specifically for top university graduates from around the world who aspire to become the next generation of sales leaders at Cisco.
