In order to create a world in which technology fully and positively serves the whole population, we must assure that women are actively and equally involved in all aspects of technology. The consideration of women's needs in the development of technologies is the norm; Technology policy in government, industry and academia fully takes women into account.
To do this, the relationship between women and technology must be transformed. Women must be encouraged to choose technical studies and careers. Women who make that choice must be supported as far as their skills and interests allow.
Increasing the participation of women in technology and increasing the positive impact of technology on women are two sides of the same coin. We must work to make this vision a reality by creating opportunities for women to bring their needs to the table and to participate fully in the definition and creation of new technologies. Women need a place to find each other. As a geographically dispersed and frequently individually isolated minority within computer science, women rarely have the opportunity to interact in person with other women in Computer science on any subject.
I am aiming not only at the novice or limited user who wants to become more proficient -- but also more experienced users will find something of value in their advanced technology training issues. Many women have not been taught to feel comfortable with technology; even more of us are simply apathetic about it. But it would be a tragedy if our progress in the workplace were halted by our own passivity. Avoiding computers because they’re scary makes as much sense as not driving in the suburbs. In fact, cars are far more dangerous than PC’s -- but most of us know that to lead a full life, we have to drive. It’s the same with computers. That’s where I want to help women get started, improve their skills, deal with mishaps and gain new confidence in their dealings with computers. I will help women take on the challenges of the computer age with a fearless, can do attitude.
Indeed, women and men's communicative strategies are so different that they inhabit different cultures.
We,women need to discover our own voice. Men, even when in a minority and even when well meaning, have a different style of interaction. They often dominate discussions. Even when they don't, the style of a mixed conversation tends to be in the style of male-dominated discussions. As women understand more clearly what those differences are and what professional discourse is like on their own, we will be better able to bring our voice to open forums. Training in the use of computer accommodates a variety of learning styles, especially when the learner in question is resistant to technology or anxious about it. For some users the rapid obsolescence of technologies once learned could be quite daunting and a disincentive to investing the time required to learn still newer technologies every six months.
Michele Evard's research on fourth and fifth grade children using a Netnews-like forum in a classroom setting suggests that, before they encounter the culture of the net, boys and girls act almost identical ways: girls speak as often as boys, they give instruction in equal numbers, and they flame just as often as boys (Evard). This study suggests that whatever discrepancies exist between men's and women's use IT result less from profound psychological differences between men and women than from the practices, values, and institutions that constitute and are constituted by the virtual communities that have sprung up on the Internet.
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics the demand for workers in the IT field will grow to over one million additional IT workers between 1994 and 2005 in North America.
Thus, more IT-workers (not necessarily IT-professional) must be trained for the IT industry. Women comprise 52% of the population and serve as a key potential source of intelligent, creative, and productive people in the IT industry. Unfortunately, over the last decade, we have witnessed an alarming decline of women graduating with degrees in computer science (24% at the B.S. (Bachelor of Science) level). Today's critical world situation has increased the need of IT workers, especially from home IT- workers and free-lancer, which give women even more opportunity in this market sector.
And most important you play as a mother the first and the most significant female role model for your children specially for your daughter(s). Your enthusiasm and involvement can open their eyes to the possibility of higher-paying, satisfying work in technical fields. Don't be afraid to let your kids see you struggling with computer glitches. Schau them how you shall overcome!
Due to all these facts, we start in a light-hearted, conversational way, at most 2 women in a private lesson, to explore the ways that women and girls can become confident and self-sufficient in selecting and using computer equipment, connecting to the larger networked community, and using computer savvy as a powerful career tool.