Computer Science (CS) is the only science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) major that has experienced a precipitous decline in the representation of women.
REASON
One reason for this is because women have historically chosen lower fulfilling jobs like teaching or journalism, whereas their male counterparts, sometimes considered family providers, choose high-paying careers like computer science and engineering.
SOLUTION
- Attempts are being made to make the efforts of female computer scientists more visible through events such as the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women conference series which allows women in the field to meet collaborate and present their work. In the U.S., the Association for Women in Computing was founded in Washington, D.C. in 1978. Its purpose is to provide opportunities for the professional growth of women in computing through networking, and through programs on technical and career-oriented topics.
- In the United Kingdom, the British Computer Society (BCS) and other organizations have groups which promote the cause of women in computing, such as BCS women, founded by Sue Black, and the BCS Women's Forum.
- In Ontario, Canada, the G8 Designs for G8 girls program was founded to develop grade 8 girls' interest in computer science.