In honor of Women’s History Month, on March 19, Professor Netiva Caftori gave a lecture in her first year experience class (FYE) about women and computing, which is a presentation about the history of women and computers, and about why there are so few women in computing and what can be done about it. Here are some interesting facts from her lecture.
According to a 2004 study, there are fewer women in computer science and engineering programs in universities and high schools.
There are less women working in the industry for development and design software.
Grace Hopper invented the term “bug” for the computer if there was found to be something wrong with it like for example a virus is a type of bug.
High school counselors don’t really send girls to computer classes.
The geek culture alienates women who resist it, some find it repulsive, and many see geek as the culture norm.
In 2005, 63 percent of women were attracted to computers because of enjoyment.
32 percent are encouraged by other people.
38 percent of women are already in math and science related fields.
16 percent of PhD’s in engineering were earned by women but only ten percent are full professors.