Girls in tech
What is it?
While most future jobs will require a high level of digital literacy, only 1:4 graduates from IT degrees are women and there is a consistent 19% gender pay disparity in the Information Media and Telecommuncations industry (IT Professionals Australia, 2019).
Key players in the technology industry, such as Google, aim to inspire girls and women in technological pursuits, with the hope that they can contribute more to, and have a greater voice in, the field of technology. These companies believe that increased exposure to technological activities directed specifically towards girls at school will help increase confidence and interest in the area.
As a way of supporting and encouraging 'girls in tech', DT Hub has developed this selection of resources, readings, competitions and programs specifically to promote technology education for girls.
References
IT Professionals Australia. (2019). Women in tech report. [online] Available at: http://www.professionalsaustralia.org.au/professional-women/blog/women-tech-report/
5 Women in Data Science (opens external website in a new window)
5 Women in Data Science share advice on taking risks, building inclusivity and harnessing ‘Street Cred’ in tech. These interviews explore the current landscape of opportunities for women in big data.
The ATSE STELR team has produced a series of 19 video profiles featuring female role models and entrepreneurs from STEM fields. The videos will inspire girls (and boys) to pursue STEM careers and aim to boost enrolments of girls in STEM subjects in senior years of schooling by highlighting study pathways.
Careers (opens in a new window)
There are so many different careers available in the Digital Technologies and STEM related space. Explore these videos websites, articles, and suggestions to send you on the right path.
Tech Girls are Superheroes: Gymea Bay Public School (opens in a new window)
Watch this video featuring five female students from Gymea Bay Public School that participated in the Tech Girls are Superheroes competition and came second in their state. The group used MIT app inventor to complete their project.
#GirlsCan: Girls who code (opens external website in a new window)
In this commercial video, teenage girls talk about the power and agency they feel when they learn to code.
Top 10 ways families can encourage girls' interest in computing (opens in a new window)
In the article, each of the 10 tips is accompanied by links to suggested resources to support and encourage girls' interest in computing.
Progressing STEM skills in Australia(PDF) (opens in a new window)
This 2015 report from the Australian Industry Group notes that STEM skills are essential 'for the future economic and social wellbeing of Australia'. An estimated 75 per cent of the fastest growing occupations require STEM skills and knowledge. The report places Australia's progress within an international context and explores the participation of women and girls in this area.
Female participation in school computing: Reversing the trend(PDF) (opens in a new window)
This report explores some strategies aimed at raising participation of girls in computer science education and makes recommendations about future initiatives.
Girl Geek Academy (opens external website in a new window)
Girl Geek Academy is a global movement encouraging women to learn technology, create startups and build more of the internet.
Careers with Engineering 2018 (opens external website in a new window)
These three posters show students some of the amazing ways engineering is used everyday, and the awesome careers they can pursue in these areas. In particular check out the poster ‘Women working in engineering’.
Careers with code (opens in a new window)
These three posters show students some of the amazing ways coding relates to our everyday lives and the awesome careers they can pursue with coding or programming. Check out the themes covering ‘Upwardly mobile’, ‘Get your quiz on’ and ‘Code in creative careers’.
Robogals (opens in a new window)
Robogals is an international, not-for-profit, student-run organisation that aims to increase female participation in engineering, science and technology through fun and educational initiatives aimed at girls in primary and secondary schools. The site contains helpful background and research on girls' participation in STEM.
SciGirls (opens in a new window)
The series SciGirls Profiles: Women in STEM models videos of women who are passionate about their work in STEM. Supporting educational materials provide gender-equitable teaching strategies and hands-on inquiries based on the concepts modelled in SciGirls' videos.
St Aidan's Anglican School (opens in a new window)
Learning digital technologies outside of the traditional classroom.
Ravenswood School for Girls (opens external website in a new window)
'Now we are sort of testing the limits'.
Code like a girl (opens in a new window)
This website supports girls who are into coding with events, a blog and virtual events.