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.