Girls Who Code. Girls Who Code. Web. 6 Sept. 2014. http://girlswhocode.com/
When most people think of computer science, they think of it as a male-dominated field. Girls Who Code was born out of the need to fix that gender gap. Founded by Reshma Saujani, the organization offers in-depth programs for adolescent girls to prepare them for careers in technology and engineering. The programs contain instruction in robotics, web design and mobile development among other tech-oriented subjects. Led by a team of female engineers, educators and entrepreneurs, Girls Who Code’s goal is to attain gender parity in computer specialist jobs by 2020.
This program is immensely necessary and valuable. Women offer a unique and important contribution to the world of technology, especially in the context of environmentalism. Eco-feminism has already revealed the many connections between women and the environment. I’m eager to see the overlap of environmental awareness and computer science, and I think women are especially suited for this intersection. Even without environmentalist leanings, more women should be in the computer science field anyway.
Girls Who Code is relatively new – the program launched in 2012. Because it’s in its early stages, there are limitations to access at the moment. The Summer Immersion Program is currently only available in five cities in the U.S. But the organization is working on expanding, with Girls Who Code clubs opening up at schools and libraries throughout 2014.
