Women Quotas in TechTargeting STEM engagement in young girls.

Olivia Thorne . March 2016

My Background

Robogals Sussex President

Computer Science Undergraduate

STEM Sussex Ambassador

Olivia Thorne . March 2016

Let’s Get Started

Social and Personal Implications

Girl Engagement Issue

Industry’s Role in Engagement

© Image by Michal Zacharzewski

Olivia Thorne . March 2016

Girl EngagementOlivia Thorne . March 2016

THE PROBLEMS • Girls assume tech is “too

difficult”.

• Tech role models are predominantly male.

• Stereotypes start in the home and classroom.

“Draw a Programmer” TaskOlivia Thorne . March 2016

70% drew men

Industry’s Role in EngagementOlivia Thorne . March 2016

Who will fill the spaces quotas give?Technology is an area which requires specialised skills.

Only 18.2% of computer science degrees are awarded to women [1]

This will not be solved by forcing industries to employ women!

Encourage (or enforce) Engagement Policies[1] https://ngcproject.org/statistics

Social and Personal ImplicationsOlivia Thorne . March 2016

“Got the job because you’re a girl” mentality.

Builds resentment between genders.

Ruins collaborative and creative environments.

Potential of employing underqualified women.

Personal confidence issues in own ability.

How Things Could Be

“Got the job because you deserved it” mentality.

Both genders accept each other as highly

skilled.Enhances collaborative

and creative environments.

Employ engaged, highly qualified women.

Personal confidence increased, self-belief.

Girl EngagementOlivia Thorne . March 2016

THE PROBLEMS • Girls assume tech is “too

difficult”.

• Tech role models are predominantly male.

• Stereotypes start in the home and classroom.

THE SOLUTIONS • Encourage girls involvement in science

fairs.

• Introduce girls to female techies (Ada Lovelace, Sophie Wilson, Grace Hopper, etc.)

• Be a good tech role model to students and/or daughters.