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Much has been written about the lack of women in the computing profession in lots of, but not all, countries. The research literature shows that there are many people who have established over time that they believe passionately about the need for diversity and balance in the IT workforce. They consider that women can bring different perspectives and alternative skills that will help create better systems for all.
Consequently many programs have been introduced to try to redress the complex range of factors which affect young women's choice to commence and successfully complete a degree in computing, and to equip them with the necessary skills and contacts to obtain jobs and career recognition in the industry and research.
Strategies which have been implemented and evaluated include mentoring, networking, the provision of accurate information, development of classroom management strategies to ensure equality of access to facilities, class discussion and teacher time, the use of gender inclusive language, improving curriculum, outreach programs, bridging programs, profiling female graduates and so on.
Other approaches have been focused on feminist research methodology rather than the positivist philosophy underpinning many of the above strategies. These approaches thereby seek to change the culture in IT/IS workplaces rather than to just add more women.
The focus for this group is not whether one approach is better than another, rather to support anyone who is implementing or would like to implement change via any of the strategies listed above or any other strategies which may make some impact in terms of addressing the issues of women and computing.
We know there is no single strategy which will resolve all the issues related to women in computing. Different strategies have been tried in different parts of the world with varying degrees of success. It is vital we learn from each other.
This group therefore provides an international forum where you can discuss ideas with people (from different cultures and countries and educational systems and with a variety of experiences) as we all actively work towards the improvement of working and learning environments for women in computing.
In Greek mythology, Iris is the Goddess of the rainbow who is seen as an advisor and guide. She is able to convey divine commands to humankind. Iris also has the meaning of the part of the eye that controls light levels and affects seeing. We hope that Iris will guide us all to see the way forward for women in computing.
To see the collection of prior postings to the list,
visit the Iris
Archives.
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