Latest study has revealed that participation of women in the information technology (IT) sector in Nepal is very negligible. rnrnAccording to National IT Workforce Survey 2005 carried out by the Computer Association of Nepal (CAN), representation of women in IT sector is only 18.27.rnrnSimilarly, women in this profession earn less than their male counterparts. While men professionals earn around Rs 14,169 a month, female make only Rs 9,508. rnrnThe report says that majority of IT professionals - 78.80 percent - have no university degrees. Out of 4000 IT professionals, only around 1,000 have obtained formal IT education from recognized colleges and universities while, among the university degree holders, 77.2 percent completed courses in Nepal. 13.6 IT professionals got their degrees from foreign countries while the remaining entered into this profession after trainings from computer institutes. rnrnMainly three ethnic communities - Brahmins, Chettris and Newars - coming from hilly parts dominate the IT sector while the involvement of other ethnic groups is in 4.02 percent.rnrnThe survey reveals that only 22.49 percent of the workforce is engaged in real information and communication activities such as programming, software and hardware development, networking and animation while 71.28 percent manpower is engaged mostly in teaching, training and secretarial jobs. The report states that the number of IT professionals will grow by around 83 percent, making the number 7,335, by 2010.