Female IT contractors could be at a disadvantage, one expert has indicated, saying that the industry remains dominated by men.

Maggie Berry, managing director of Women in Technology, said that despite general progress in terms of workplace equality, with men outnumbering women four to one, IT is still very much a male-driven industry.

"Although the legislation is changing, we still have the most unequal parental leave system in Europe and this 'motherhood penalty' is definitely one of the reasons why we don't see as many women in senior positions as we would like," she explained.

This comes after International Women's Day was held on March 8th, as a celebration of the contribution of women in economic, social and political fields.

International Women's Day 2011 also marked the 100 year anniversary of the holiday, which began in 1911 with more than one million women and men attending rallies.