Women in Coding – Breaking the Barrier
When it comes to coding, women coders have been breaking barriers and making their mark in the field for years to fill this gender gap.
Today, we’re taking a look at some of the most famous women in coding who have made significant contributions to the world of programming.
Ada Lovelace is widely considered to be the first computer programmer.
She was an English mathematician and writer, who is credited with coming up with the first algorithm that could be processed by a machine.
This algorithm was designed to be used on Charles Babbage’s Analytical Engine, which was a predecessor to the modern computer.
Grace Hopper was an American computer scientist and United States Navy rear admiral and was among the top women in coding.
She was one of the pioneers of computer programming and developed one of the first compiler related tools. She also popularized the term “debugging” when referring to fixing computer errors.
The Rise of Women in Coding
It’s no secret that the tech industry has been male-dominated for a long, long time because of fewer women opting for this career path. But there’s been a shift in recent years, as more and more women are choosing to enter the field of coding and pursue tech careers.
This is good news not just for women, but for the tech sector as a whole; studies have shown that diversity in the workplace leads to better results overall.
Why should you consider coding?
Have you ever considered learning to code?
If you’re like most people, the answer is probably no. After all, coding is often seen as a dry, tedious, and difficult activity that is best left to nerds and geeks.
However, this perception couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, coding is an incredibly useful skill that can be used in a variety of different ways. Not only that, but thanks to the rise of online resources, coding has become more accessible than ever before.
So, why should you learn to code?
1. It’s not as difficult as you think
One of the biggest myths in tech field about coding is that it’s incredibly difficult to learn.
Yes, it does require some concentration and effort, but it’s not impossible by any means. In fact, with the right resources and a bit of practice, almost anyone can learn the basics of coding.
2. It can be used in a variety of different ways
Coding isn’t just for people who want to work in the tech industry. In reality, there are all sorts of different fields that use coding in one way or another.
For example, if you’re interested in marketing, you can use coding to create better and more effective email campaigns. Or if you’re a journalist, you can use coding to build better websites and share your stories with a wider audience.
The possibilities are endless!
3. It’s a great way to make yourself more marketable
In today’s economy, it’s no secret that tech giants and employers in the job market are looking for candidates who have a wide range of skills and abilities.
And while you don’t need to be a master coder to get a job, having at least some coding skills will definitely give you an edge over other candidates who don’t have any coding experience at all.
4. It can be used to solve problems large and small
Coding isn’t just about building websites or creating apps; it can also be used to solve problems in the real world.
For example, if you’re interested in environmentalism, you could use your coding skills to build a website that tracks your carbon footprint or an app that helps people reduce their energy consumption.
The sky really is the limit!
You Belong in Code
When you think of a coder, what comes to mind?
If you’re like most people, you probably picture a white guy in a hoodie hunched over a laptop in a dark basement.
But the face of coding is changing, and fast.
According to the National Center for Women & Information Technology, women held only 26% of professional computing occupations in 2019.
But we’re not giving up without a fight. Every day, women programmers are taking on coding jobs and making their mark in the tech sector and in the global community.
There are so many coding courses and other educational materials for different learning styles that are completely free and since women can draw women in coding jobs, there are many influencing women coders who are teaching students and preparing them for their new career.
Here’s why you should join us.
1. Coding is for everyone.
No matter your age, race, gender, or background, anyone can learn to code. And we need coding skills now more than ever.
With technology becoming increasingly prevalent in every aspect of our lives, it’s important that everyone has at least a basic understanding of how it works.
Learning to code gives you a better understanding of how the world around you works and can even help you communicate better with the people who design and build that technology.
2. Tech skills are in high demand—and they pay well.
Don’t believe the stereotype that coders are working out of their parents’ basements (unless they want to). The demand for coders is high—and growing higher every day.
In fact, there are currently more than 500,000 open jobs in the U.S. alone for software developers, and that number is expected to grow by 22% by 2028.
And these aren’t low-paying jobs, either—the median salary for software developers is over $100k per year.
So if you’re looking for a stable career with good pay and plenty of opportunity for growth, coding is a great option.
3. Coding can help you make positive change in the world.
As a coder, you have the power to build things that make people’s lives better—and even save lives.
For example, coders have built apps that help people with chronic health conditions manage their symptoms and connect with others who understand what they’re going through.
They’ve also created apps that make it easier for people to find mental health resources when they need them most. And those are just a few examples—the possibilities are endless!
If you want to use your skills to make the world a better place, there’s no shortage of ways to do it as a coder.
Why Women+ Make Great Coders
Have you ever considered a career in coding?
If you’re a woman or non-binary person, you might have hesitated because you think tech isn’t for you. But that couldn’t be further from the truth!
In fact, women+ make great coders. Here’s why:
1. We’re Natural Problem-Solvers
Coding is all about solving problems. And women+ are natural problem-solvers. We’re always thinking ahead and looking for ways to improve things. That’s why we excel at coding!
2. We’re Great at multitasking
Women+ are known for our ability to multitask. We can handle multiple projects at once without breaking a sweat. This is a valuable skill in coding, where there are often many moving parts and deadlines can be tight.
3. We’re Good Communicators
Communication is key in any job, but it’s especially important in coding. That’s because coders often have to collaborate with others on projects. Being a good communicator ensures that everyone is on the same page and that the final product is of the highest quality.
The Importance of Women in Coding
Ways Women Can Make a Valuable Contribution to the Field of Coding
1. We can bring fresh perspectives to problem-solving.
2. We can help create a more welcoming environment for other women who are interested in coding.
3. We can provide much-needed role models for young girls who are interested in STEM fields.
4. We can help improve gender balance within technology companies.
5. We can challenge outdated assumptions about what women are capable of.
6. We can offer unique insights into how code is used by people who identify as female or non-binary.
7. We can contribute to making the tech industry as a whole more inclusive and diverse.
8. We can help create products and services that are more user-friendly for everyone, not just cisgender males.
9. We can humanize the face of an industry that is often seen as cold and impersonal.
10. We have the potential to change the world—and coding is one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal to do just that.
Conclusion:
These are just a few examples of female coders who have made significant contributions to the field of computer programming.
There’s no doubt about it: we need more women in coding roles if we want to see real change in the technology industry—change that will benefit us all, regardless of our gender identity or background.
As you can see, women have been involved in coding from its earliest days and continue to be leaders in the field today.
If you’re interested in learning more about coding or pursuing a career in this field, don’t let your gender hold you back – there’s no reason why you can’t achieve success just like these women have.
So, what are you waiting for?