There are many smart, able women in developing communities who are steaming ahead with technology projects. Some of my heroes include:
There are also lots of worldwide womens’ technical groups; typically, these provide role models, mentoring, help and support through technology talks, networking and online discussion groups. Face-to-face and online groups spreading across the world include:
- DevChix
- Girl Geek Dinners (please start one!)
- Girls in ICT
More local groups include:
- Women’s tech organisations in Africa – Africa
- Ladies Who Code – US/UK
- Women in Technology – UK
- BCSWomen – UK
- European Professional Women’s Network – Europe
- NYC PyLadies – US. Yes, Python, yes, New York. It’s one of many specialist technology groups for women, and it’s worth checking meetup.com for more
And finally, here are a few of my role models…
- Ada Lovelace – the first computer programmer. And yes, the Ada programming language was named after her
- Admiral Grace Hopper – the ‘bug’ lady, one of the first real computer programmers, and winner of a 1969 “man of the year” award. Grace had a ship named after her
- Emily Toop – a lady with enough passion for robots to found Brighton Robotics and get everyone else involved too. Go, Emily, go!
- Lady Ada – IMHO one of the best electronics hackers in the world
- Danica Patrick – a racing driver not a technologist, but a good example of how to be good at a tough job without losing your femininity