From 1984 to 2017, there has been a 17% decrease in women pursuing computer science degrees. Many contribute to this decline in personal computer marketing campaigns targeting boys, but the problem is multi-faceted. I have embedded links within my visual to allow further exploration of this topic.
Why diversity matters
When a homogeneous group develops new technologies, the broader population is often underserved. A classic example is the initial development of airbags. Engineered by an entirely male team, fatalities occurred among women and children when they were first brought to market.
Feminine Beginnings
Women built the foundation of computer science. Ada Lovelace was the first to discover the capabilities of the Analytical Engine, identifying the algorithms needed to extend computing beyond pure mathematical functions. Grace Hopper developed the compiler, which developed the foundation for C+ and Python. She is directly responsible for enabling modern data programmers to type in their commands in English and have those commands translated into machine terms.
