Reducing the Gender Gap to Innovation
In our data-driven world, the ability to tackle increasingly complex problems will rely on an array of analytical skills, including computer programming. Right now, every country’s radar is on getting youth to learn to code in order to reduce the alarming deficit of unqualified workers that is expected to occur over the next ten years. A separate yet deeply connected issue is the shortage of women in the STEM industry.
Today, women hold only 27 percent of all computer science jobs. And even though 60 percent of women hold bachelor’s degrees, less than 20 percent of bachelor’s degrees in computer science go to women. The shortage of women in technology roles across multiple industries is a massive crisis with serious socio-economic ramifications.
An Untapped Opportunity
Women drive 70 to 80 percent of all consumer purchasing through a combination of buying power and influence. Even if a woman isn’t necessarily paying for something herself, she’s likely the decision maker or gatekeeper behind the purchase. This makes them an integral part of our economy’s prosperity.
If women make up a significant portion of the customer base, then it follows that they should be fairly represented in the making of the goods and services they buy and consume. Reducing the gender gap in the labor force will not only lead to innovation and technologies that better resonate with the needs of this mighty economic force, but it could also result in an increase of about 6 percent in a country’ GDP.
The Future is Women
Beyond the economic advantages, we should teach women and girls to code because — just like learning to read and write — code is the new literacy and everyone should have at least a fundamental understanding of it. From gaining the critical thinking skills to success in a digitized world to gaining access to highly coveted and lucrative careers, coding empowers women. An added value of a career in computer programming is that the job lends itself to working remotely, which gives women — particularly mothers — the flexibility to balance work and life.
Bringing diversity and equality to the tech community is not going to happen overnight, but we need to get the ball rolling today. A tangible, resolute plan and a large financial investment in the STEM sector should be the first steps. However, at a deeper level we need to break down other entrenched cultural barriers including the limited access to learning technologies, gender stereotypes and the lack of encouragement and self-confidence to pursue technical fields of study. Our future depends on this inclusiveness.
Every Woman Can Learn to Program
Today more than ever learning to write web programming code has become easier, more accessible and more affordable. Sites such as Skillcrush, Girls Who Code, Femgineers and Latina Girls Code are just a few of the digital communities founded by women for women looking to launch a career in the tech industry.
Skillcrush: An interactive online learning community that provides users with 3-month Career Blueprints designed to train tomorrow’s generation of female technologists.
Girl Who Code: A platform that pairs high quality instruction in programming fundamentals with exposure to real-world technology companies.
Femgineer: An education company with multiple course and book offerings aimed at helping women level up in their careers, build products, and lead companies.
Latina Girls Code: An initiative to provide education and resources to young latinas interested in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.
Join the conversation and find out how you can get involved by visiting any of these websites.
