Women shaping the future of coding

Publication date: March 8, 2023

International Women’s Day, on 8 March, is a day to celebrate the achievements of women and to raise awareness of the challenges they still face. In the tech industry, women have made significant contributions to coding, and their contribution is growing. According to Eurostat, in 2021 there were almost 74 million people in the EU aged 15 to 74 employed in science and technology, of which 52% were women. So, it is fair to say that women will indeed shape the future of coding.

Why diversity matters in tech

Diversity in tech is not just a social justice issue, it is a business one as well. Research has shown that diverse teams are more innovative, have better problem-solving abilities, and create more inclusive products. In a world where technology is integrated into every aspect of our lives, it’s important to have a workforce that reflects the diversity of its users. This is especially true in areas like AI, where bias can have serious consequences.

Women breaking barriers in coding

There are many women who are breaking barriers in coding and making significant contributions to the field. Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code, is one of these trailblazers. Her organisation aims to close the gender gap in tech by providing girls with the opportunity to learn coding and computer science. Another notable woman in coding is Danielle Feinberg, director of photography for Pixar. Feinberg has been instrumental in the development of technologies used in Pixar’s animated films, including the lighting system used in the movie Coco.

Resources and opportunities for women in coding

There are many resources and organisations that support women in coding. Girls Who Code and Women Who Code are two of the most well-known organisations, providing services for women and girls pursuing careers in technology. However, there are many others, such as AnitaB.org, which hosts the annual Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, the largest gathering of women technologists in the world. These organisations offer a range of programmes and initiatives, such as mentorship, networking events, and coding workshops.

Encouraging more women to pursue coding

Despite the efforts of these organisations and the progress that has been made, many women are still discouraged from pursuing coding. Some of the reasons for this include a lack of representation in the media, stereotypes about what it means to be a programmer, and a lack of role models. To encourage more women to pursue coding, it’s important to showcase success stories of women who have overcome these obstacles. In 2022 at EU Code Week 49% of 3.5 million participants were girls, contributing to bringing women of all ages into coding and encouraging them to participate.

International Women’s Day is a reminder that women have made significant contributions to the field of coding, but there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure ongoing diversity and inclusivity. At EU Code Week, we celebrate the achievements of women in coding. By highlighting the benefits of diversity in tech and providing resources and opportunities for women, we can work towards a future where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed in the tech industry.