Tech-Girls – Website Resources – STEM for Girls
Tech-Girls is all about empowering girls to imagine and achieve their future dreams in our tech-savvy world. The organization is part gathering resources from around the world to help girls get connected to tech programs/mentors, part online community learning tech together and part local program working directly with girls through workshops and events to inspire them to share their vision with the globally connected community.
Tech-Girls was launched on October 11, 2012 the first ever International Day of the Girl Child by Kim Wilkens with the support of and guidance from many amazing organizations and individuals. The United Nations set this date aside to recognize that empowerment of and investment in girls is critical for:
- economic growth;
- the eradication of poverty;
- meaningful participation of girls in decisions that affect them;
- breaking the cycle of discrimination and violence
This day provides focus to efforts that are helping girls gain “the active support and engagement of their parents, legal guardians, families and care providers, as well as boys and men and the wider community.”
What’s the problem?
- The ratio of women studying computer science in college is less than 20%. Last year only 12.9% of CS undergraduates were women. (US stat).
- Stereotypical images about computer science, like it’s boring, hard, anti-social and irrelevant, persist.
- By age 13 girls determine a positive or negative attitude towards subjects like computer science.
- Through hands-on experience, girls recognize that computing is about creativity, connecting people and changing the world.
- Mentors help break down the stereotypes behind computer science.
- Parents and schools understand the importance of computer science education.
Change the world!
The under-representation of women in computing and its affect on society are complex issues, but we cannot let the scope of these issues stop us from attempting to make a difference in the lives of girls right now. Tech-Girls provides an opportunity to engage girls, their families, their schools and the wider community about the power of computing.
In 2012 an idea was planted – that the investment in and empowerment of girls is critical to all of us. Now it's up to us to care for and nourish this idea into reality!
