4/1/2022 – Last month, in celebration of Women’s History Month, IWCS announced plans to recognize our female colleagues at the 2022 Cable & Connectivity Industry Forum. The 71^st IWCS Cable & Connectivity Industry Forum, taking place October 10–13, 2022 in Providence Rhode Island, USA, will feature several new event components that recognize the plethora of contributions women have made to advance our industries. An example of one of the new event components is a Technical Symposium session that features papers contributed by women. When submitting a technical paper abstract, authors have the option for their paper presentation to be included in this distinguished session. This year’s Technical Paper Abstract Deadline has been extended until April 15, 2022.

In a historically male-dominated industry, many IWCS stakeholders—authors, presenters, students, event attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors—are women. As we look through the IWCS Technical Paper archives, we are proud to see a sizable amount of papers from female authors; and we are committed to continuing to increase female participation. According to the most recent occupation report published by National Science Foundation/National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), we learn that only 29% of Science and Engineering (S&T) jobs are occupied by women. A common theme of striving to balance the employment gender gap is prominent throughout the world, and influencers specific to science and technology industries, including IWCS, are hyper-focused on this initiative. 

 A scholarly article regarding equality for women in STEM fields notes the importance of education, “Research has highlighted the importance of the educational process in increasing the representation of women and URM [underrepresented minorities] in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).” Part of IWCS’s mission is to develop industry professionals through education and scholarships, and we recognize the importance of doing our part to help young women pursue technical degree programs to prepare themselves for successful careers. In fact, in the two most recent years IWCS scholarships have been awarded, women have represented 46% of IWCS scholarship recipients.

 IWCS is committed to doing its part to encourage the upward trajectory of female representation in Cable, Connectivity, Telecom, Chemicals, and Materials industries. Help us to empower and celebrate our female colleagues by sharing the following opportunities to get involved:

• Submit a Technical Paper abstract by April 15
• Save the Dates to attend the 71^st Cable & Connectivity Industry Forum
• Stay informed by signing up to receive IWCS e-mail updates

 About IWCS

IWCS is a not-for-profit organization that has hosted the premier event for new technologies in cable and connectivity products, processes, and applications for the past 70 years. The Cable & Connectivity Industry Forum is the leading worldwide event to explore topical issues, learn about new technologies, and network with colleagues from the communications, data, electronics, power, industrial, automotive, and aerospace industries. In addition to the Forum, IWCS is committed to the development of industry professionals and scholars by hosting educational webinars, publishing research, and awarding scholarships.

 The IWCS Technical Symposium Committee generates an extremely high-caliber program for each year’s Forum. Peer-reviewed papers presented during the Technical Symposium and recordings from the IWCS Webinar series remain publicly archived for ongoing research and education.

 IWCS, Inc. is headquartered at 9618 Villagesmith Way, Burke, VA 22015-4170 USA. For further information, visit the IWCS website at www.iwcs.org or contact David B. Kiddoo, CEO, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow IWCS on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.