Girls in Technology

The Stigma.

It is no surprise that names such as Ada Lovelace and Hedy Lamarr are rarely mentioned. In a society in which women are seen as the other, history is told through the lenses of men, and we are bounded to see the world as theirs. Did you know that the first programmer in the world and the inventor of the system that was the base for Wi-Fi and Bluetooth were both women? This lack of representatives in STEM perpetuates the taboo that these areas are not for women.

STEM education and skills are critical to Canada’s ability to innovate and compete on the world stage. They represent some of the largest growth industries and highest salaries in the country, especially in technology fields. Yet, even with Canada’s widening skills gap in the sector, women continue to be underrepresented at 22% of the total workforce in STEM fields.

We Need to Encourage our Girls.

Not stimulating girls while still at school to engage in STEM related-areas has its consequences on the female labour force: in middle school, 74 percent of girls show interest in STEM, while in high school, only 0.4 percent of girls want to major in Computer Sciences. How can we change that?

Breaking taboos involves showing girls female role models, educating boys to have empathy, and creating an environment free of gender oppression. The most forward-thinking organizations have already changed the way they attract and hire to encourage more gender diversity. Educational institutions are promoting technology as a viable and rewarding career for women, beginning in the primary grades. They’re looking for new and innovative ways to engage female students and keep them from opting out of math and science courses.

Women in STEM.

According to Statistics Canada, in 2016 more women graduated with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) than ever before. In fact, a higher percentage of women are graduating with university degrees than their male counterparts. 67% of women in Canada attain a post-secondary degree compared to 62% of men. Though more women are accessing higher education, there’s still work to be done. STEM is still a male-dominated area.

Women in tech are urging their peers to hang in, hang tough, persevere, go for what they want, and not be discouraged. Canadian women in IT are on the move, changing policies and processes that don’t work and creating them where they don’t yet exist.

“There has never been a better time to be in the technology industry. Technology is transforming and disrupting industries and creating the path for new business models.” Her advice to women considering the field: “Seize the opportunity by moving with speed, embracing change and thinking boldly.” What better time to be a woman in tech?
Nancy Briglio, IBM Canada’s director of commercial business.

How Kidzwhiz Can Help.

Kidzwhiz aims to cultivate an environment full of support and comfort for girls to learn STEM related activities such as coding, animation, robotics and more. We want to empower young girls to help transform their big dreams into a reality. To inspire and encourage them to follow through, despite the obstacles. We have seen first hand what girls are capable of and we are confident and excited for the future of girls in technology! Seize the opportunity to be a part of this movement, sign your girls up to Kidzwhiz technology camps. Together, we’ll be a force to be reckoned with!