Encouraging more women in Computer Science

Brian Welle, People Analytics Manager and Megan Smith, former vice president of new business development at Google; discovered (or were called out for) representing a very low percentage of women in Google doodles. Starting out with celebrating absolutely no women, the percentage slightly shot up but according to latest statistics, 62% of all the honorees in 2012-2013; were still white men.

Apart from addressing an unconscious gender bias, this also brings to light another very important issue- the invisibility of women and minorities in the science and technology workplace. 30% women are currently employed in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) jobs. Still, it has been reported that women of colour feel less welcome and appreciated, which creates an immense amount of performance pressure.

Recently, Google commissioned a project to identify the factors responsible that motivate girls to pursue education in computer science. The study revealed that women need encouragement, exposure and opportunity to consider computer science as a viable career option.

Both Welle and Smith point out, that this bias starts much before the education comes into the picture.  From an early age, gender stereotypes are reinforced by friends, parents, peers, teachers and the media. They suggest that merely projecting the idea of STEM fields becoming more welcoming for women can make a difference.

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Gloria Steinem told Scientific American, “Don’t think about making women fit the world—think about making the world fit women.” To address this, Google has taken a number of steps and introduced a number of programmes that has helped bring more women in Sciences into limelight- and within a few months 49 percent of the 51 Doodles by Googles featured women.

Hopefully other companies would take similar steps and women will be able to enjoy an equal stature in sciences in the near future.

ORIGINAL SOURCE: Scientific American

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/time-to-raise-the-profile-of-women-and-minorities-in-science/