The gender gap in technology is wide. IT as a profession has about 75% males and 25% females. There are many reasons for this sad state of affairs. We explore those reasons and offer some resources to redress the situation.
"In order to create a world in which technology fully and positively serves the world's population, we must assure that: Women are actively and equally involved in all aspects of technology; The consideration of women's needs in the development of technologies is the norm; Technology policy in government, industry and academia fully takes women into account."
"A four-fold mission: to encourage more women and girls to study computer science...to pursue careers in IT; to enable all women and girls to use IT comfortably and knowledgeably; to assure that the richness and breadth of women's lives and concerns are fully represented and readily available on the Internet; to foster research concerning the relationship between gender and IT."
Katie Dean reports on the state of women and computing in this 2001 feature article for Wired. While the article is an older one, so is the issue!
"GirlGeeks® is the Career Success Site for Professional Women in Information Technology, serving Fortune 1000 companies seeking to attract and retain qualified IT women."
"America's Digital Godess" sets an example for girls. They can be geeks and can be better than any guy out there. Go for it!
"We are an informal organization for technical women in computing that began in 1987 as a small mailing list for women in "systems", thus the name systers." Part of the Anita Borg Institute for women and Technology.
"Webgrrls International provides a forum for women in or interested in new media and technology to network, exchange job and business leads, form strategic alliances, mentor and teach, intern and learn the skills to help women succeed in an increasingly technical workplace and world."
"Women who have made a difference in the world of computers, the internet, and cyberspace." From About.com's Women's History Guide.
"The mission of ACM-W is to engage in activities and projects that aim to improve the working and learning environments for women in computing."
Why are only 20% of technology positions held by women? How do we encourage girls to become interested in technology? What are we doing to inspire girls to choose careers in the technology fields? Some answers here.
