Female learners are re-writing the male-dominated narrative of technology and College data shows that the number of women studying Computing is on the rise.
Women have been involved in pioneering manual, mechanical, electronic and digital developments throughout the historic timeline of computer technology.
To celebrate the achievements of women within technology, Pembrokeshire College Computing learners share their personal experiences studying Computing and highlight key inspirational female figures within the industry to encourage other women to enter this field.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT, Kara Thomas shared: “A woman who inspires me is Hedy Lamarr. She made a system which has the ability for radio waves to jump onto different frequencies.
“This technology was used to help in the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 and was an important step in the development of Wi-Fi.
“She inspires me as she contributed to creating Wi-Fi which is a massive part of our everyday lives today.”
Recent findings from a WeAreTechWomen (2021) survey highlight that 76% of the female respondents emphasise the importance of ‘a work culture that is inclusive, respectful, and welcoming to people who are different to the majority of the group.’ Additionally, 83% believe that having ‘a supportive environment is also critical’ to working within the field.
Level 3 Extended Diploma in IT learner, Sophie Lewis shared her experience of studying the Computing course: “Within this class of 24, there were only five female students, so I was nervous to start with. The support I received from Pembrokeshire College regarding both my education, and wellbeing surprised me; I still find nothing they would not help me with. So, even on rough days where I struggled either with a piece of work, or just feeling down, tutors and classmates made the entire process a safe environment where I could be open about my struggles and ultimately, better myself.
“In light of International Women’s Day, I would like to express how important it is that women everywhere are given the opportunity to study whatever and wherever they choose.”
Sarah Williams, Engineering & Computing Lecturer at the College commented: “The stark gender divide in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields is evident from the earliest days of a child’s schooling through to higher education and the working world, extract taken from “cracking the code” which was produced by UNESCO.
“It has been shown that diverse teams are more likely to come up with new ideas and perspectives, by encouraging more women into computing and ICT we can be part of that change. Our teaching team reflects the parity we strive for in this field.”
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