Popularizing more women role-models in tech

From an early age we grow up idealizing someone or the other. Most of us, who wanted to be teachers or actors, were mostly inspired by particular teachers and actors. Young girls growing up today have better and a bigger number of female role models than their mothers but compared to men, the number is not good enough.

Belinda Palmer, founder of social enterprise Little Miss Geek and the CEO of Lady Geek, shares that growing up she never aspired to get into tech. When she started working that is when she decide to take it up. Palmer reveals that Tech is currently one of the top-paying fields for women. She believes, “Technology gives girls the tools to change the world from their bedroom.”

She further reveals that the current tech taskforce of UK comprises of only 17% women and the number has been steadily reducing by 0.5 % over the last ten years. She adds, “If the UK continues at this rate, by 2043 there will be fewer than 1% women working in technology despite more women being big consumers of technology.”

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Her organizations are aimed at encouraging young girls to take up tech. Currently supported by over 40 MPs and 50 schools, Little Miss Geek has connected with over 5,000 girls in schools and universities throughout UK.

Women in the field of tech have had great achievements in the recent past. From Kevlar for bullet-proof vests, credited to Stephanie Kwolek, to Susan Kate designing Apple's interface icons- feats such as these are rarely talked about.  Palmer believes in encouraging young girls by popularizing women like these and highlighting their achievements.

ORIGINAL SOURCE: The Guardian

http://www.theguardian.com/women-in-leadership/2013/oct/15/women-technology-science-careers-her-in-hero