Inspiring Young Women to Explore Technology

In 2008, as I entered middle school, a mandatory computer course was introduced into my schedule. Having been immersed in computer games since the age of two and possessing a knack for disassembling gadgets to my parents' dismay, I was thrilled at the prospect of learning more about the fascinating technology behind these experiences.

As pre-teens, my classmates and I were already shaped by over a decade of gendered expectations. Influenced by media representations, role models, and peer interactions, we were nudged towards being creative, gentle, and artistic—essentially embracing a "girly" persona. Armed with copies of Twilight tucked into our pink and purple backpacks, we ventured into a classroom filled with outdated technology.

After mastering the basics of typing and computer use, we finally delved into coding. However, the curriculum offered a narrow view of what coding could encompass. Instead of exploring the myriad possibilities of programming, we were guided to create a stereotypically masculine game that didn’t resonate with me. The graphics we were instructed to design featured a mustached protagonist and explosive effects—elements that were far from my interests. Moreover, attempts to incorporate custom designs were discouraged, forcing us to produce projects that lacked personal relevance.

As a result, I began to associate coding with a narrow image of businessmen in sterile environments, crafting racing and fighting games. It wasn't until college that I realized my perception of the field was fundamentally flawed. By that time, my enthusiasm had shifted elsewhere.

My experience is not an isolated case; many young women encounter similar disheartening narratives. I was fortunate to have access to computer science education, yet the environment I faced offered little room for my creativity, storytelling, or humor. Like many women, I lost interest in computer science before reaching high school graduation. I often wonder how different my experience might have been if someone had showcased the vast creative potential inherent in coding.

Since my middle school days, the landscape of computer science education in the U.S. has evolved significantly, with around 51% of public schools now providing foundational courses in the subject. While this is a commendable advancement, young women continue to drift away from coding as they approach college. Despite increased exposure to the tech industry, they often struggle to envision a role for themselves within it.

To engage more young women in technology, it's crucial to redesign computer science courses not only to be more accessible but also to include content that resonates with all students, not just boys. From an early age, we encourage women to embrace arts, beauty, and individuality. For those who identify with these traits, a career that stifles creativity may seem unappealing. When we present programming merely as a means to create boyish games, we inadvertently alienate half of the population. Why would young women aspire to contribute to a field that appears unwelcoming?

For far too long, we have failed young women by not revealing coding as a powerful creative tool. Unfortunately, those socialized to be imaginative are often introduced to computer science in a manner that obscures its creative possibilities. Addressing this issue is vital for the future of both the computer science industry and technology as a whole. Diverse perspectives lead to innovation and discovery.

Moreover, we must reassure our female learners that the world of computer science has space for them—complete with their unique qualities. We can highlight the remarkable contributions of women who have paved the way in tech, including Margaret Hamilton, who contributed to the moon landing, Grace Hopper, who developed foundational programming languages, and Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer. Additionally, we should celebrate contemporary figures like Roberta Williams, who pioneered the adventure game genre, and Kim Swift, the genius behind beloved titles like Portal.

We must convey that coding and computer science are not limited to any gender. Once young students perceive technology as an inclusive realm that embraces their culture and nurtures their creativity, we can anticipate a positive transformation in representation.

At the very least, we can nurture the interests of young girls who are curious about technology. We can empower aspiring female gamers to design games they would enjoy and offer artistic individuals the chance to collaborate with technology to create something beautiful. Even if they ultimately choose not to pursue this path, they won’t do so because they felt excluded.

To delve deeper into the current state of computer science education and the ongoing disparities in tech education in the United States, visit LeakyTechPipeline.com.

An inspirational talk showcasing women who have made significant contributions to technology and coding.

A BBC Click feature that encourages young girls to pursue careers in science and technology.