We need more women in Technology. Technology has become essential to today’s society; we see it everywhere we turn.
Whether it’s the device you are using now or the lightbulbs that illuminate your home, it’s impossible to say technology has not become ingrained into society. As we continue to make technological advancements, it’s imperative to foster an upcoming generation of students. Students must be prepared to contribute new, essential discoveries and ideas to technology.
However, researchers and policymakers alike have agreed that STEM fields, such as science, technology, math, engineering, are male-dominated. STEM fields also report historically low female participation. If we are to foster an upcoming generation of technological inventors and creators, it should be inclusive.
Although this is an unfortunate occurrence, there has been a gradual rise in female STEM majors throughout the years. These women are trailblazers, lighting a way for younger women to follow their path. Their success should serve as an inspiration for girls who may be intimidated or discouraged by the male-to-female ratio of STEM majors. Some of these powerful women in technology include Reshma Saujani, Ellen Pao, and Susan Wojcicki.
1. Reshma Saujani
“There’s no more powerful lesson than knowing that your setbacks will one day help you succeed” is a quote by Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Girls Who Code.
- She began her career as an attorney and activist. During her race for US Congress while visiting local schools she witnessed the gender gap in computer programming classes firsthand.
- Saujani argues the percentage of female computer scientists is continually dropping, and it will continue if we do not take action.
Girls Who Code is an international nonprofit organization working to close the gender gap in technology and change the image of what a computer programmer looks like. Girls Who Code offers three different programs: Clubs Programs, College Loops, and Summer Immersion Program. Over 300,000 girls have learned programming through at least one of these programs, with 50% of these girls representing historically-underrepresented backgrounds.
Girls Who Code and Saujani continue to inspire, educate, and equip women with the necessary skills to flourish in the tech world.
2. Ellen Pao
In 2012, Ellen Pao entered the public spotlight after filing a $16 million lawsuit against a former employer, a venture capital firm, for supposed gender discrimination. Despite eventually losing the case, Pao contends her case shed light on the deeply-rooted sexism in Silicon Valley.
She then founded, Project Include, a nonprofit focused on improving diversity in the tech industry. They urge companies to implement diversity and inclusion solutions that incorporate inclusiveness, comprehensiveness, and accountability.
In addition to founding Project Include, Pao has written a book entitled “Reset: My Fight for Inclusion and Lasting Change.” It’s a novel discussing discrimination against women and people of color in Silicon Valley. Her fight to end misogyny in venture capital and the tech industry has helped promote women and people of color in the tech industry.
3. Susan Wojcicki
“Tech is an incredible force that will change our world in ways we can’t anticipate. If that force is only 20 to 30% women, that is a problem,” claims Susan Wojcicki.
- Wojcicki has been working in the tech industry for 20 years.
- She is the current CEO of YouTube and was involved in the founding of Google. YouTube has over 2 billion monthly users and is now worth $90 billion.
Despite being a significant contributor to the modern tech world, Wojcicki argues sexism in the tech industry affects every woman. She is known for her efforts to achieve gender equality in the workplace.
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Written by Alexandra Sugatan
