Why So Few Women in Tech?

Too few women are employed in the technology field, whether it be software development or information technology. As a student at Northwestern University, I have been exposed to technology, and discovered two news articles that begin to tackle the question of, "Why so few women in tech?'

In "Technology, Man's Problem", New York Times writer Claire Cain Miller notes that lack of encouragement for women to pursue education is not the only culprit for the lack of women in tech. Instead, a sexist, alpha male culture seems to pervade, which makes many women feel like outsiders in their own profession. Many women face unwelcoming environments, harassment from male counterparts, and for one woman, even death threats.  Despite having the expertise to succeed, more than 50% of women leave tech by the middle of their career.

In a CNN article, "5 Reasons Technology World Needs More Geek Girls", Teo Kermeliotis and Jessica Ellis talked to Regina Agyare, one of Ghana's first female tech entrepreneurs about why girls should join the technology field. Agyare left a lucrative career in banking to found a software company, and understands the difficulties women face in blazing their own path. She outline these five reasons why tech needs more women: improving technical innovation, reducing social inequalities, teaching girls leadership skills and critical thinking, stopping the workforce exit, and the low numbers of women currently involved in tech. She sees technology as being a gateway for women to become stronger forces in society. 

After reviewing these two articles, I believe that the technology industry can support women further by taking these three actions:

• Eliminate Unwelcome Environments- Men and women alike, but especially men must work to create a welcoming environment for anyone interested and qualified to join tech.
• Support Women in Technology- Women currently in the field must encourage younger women to join the field and explain the diverse benefits, from high paying positions to networking opportunities.
• Create Benefits for Women to Stay in Tech- Too many women leave tech because it doesn't allow them to balance their professional and personal life, create incentives for women to stay. 

Technology is a diverse field with many disciplines, but the one common thread appears to be the lack of welcoming environments for women. Women must be encouraged to stay in the field through creation of safe work environments, support networks and incentives for longevity. 

Parul Kapoor is a senior Economics major and IMC (Integrated Marketing Communications) student at Northwestern University from Saint Cloud, Minnesota. She will be joining Oracle Corporation in July 2014. To contact her, please email her at pkapoor@u.northwestern.edu or on Twitter @parkapoor. 

My Girl for TIME's Person of the Year 2012

You see that darling face right in the center of the image to your left? That's my girl, Malala Yousafzai! A teenager from Pakistan who stood up for her rights and faced adversity with utmost bravery. She's back, she's stronger and she is on her way to becoming a global icon. She has been nominated to be TIME's Person of the Year in 2012. A strong contender, she's holding herself in the top three spots amongst several worthy opponents- and women.

The year 2012 has been the year of women we can be proud of. From teenagers in the spotlight such as Malala Yousafzai and Olympian Gabby Douglas who charmed many with her infectious smile, to tech-giant leaders like Marissa Mayer and politicians like Hilary Clinton, the canvas is etched with faces we have grown to love and admire.

When TIME announced The Protestor as Person of the Year in 2011, it was somewhat of a pleasant surprise. Journalism honored the pain and suffering of those fighting the good fight. The cause of journalism stood strong and proud. It wasn't always so.

TIME started this tradition in an attempt to honor the 'Man of the Year' in 1927. It took them a good 72 years to realize that this sexist term was getting a bit old and the title was changed to Person of the Year in 1999. At the turn of the millenium, people realized women were people too. And, not many women have won this title yet.

It is now 'time' to change this.

Gender bias is becoming a thing of the past
According to a recent article by Danny Hayes in Washington Post titled, "Why did Women do so well in 2012? Because gender bias is declining," talks about how people finally accepted the fact that female politician are indeed just as capable and competent as their male counterparts. This year, we picked more female leaders than we ever have.

We have to help women have it all
Anne Marie-Slaughter began the conversation a few months ago when she wrote her acclaimed piece, "Why Women Still Can't Have it All."The system needs to help women achieve their goals. Her support system, her family and her employers have to recognize her intelligence and facilitate her success. People like Marissa Mayer, who got a job while she was pregnant, should have changed perceptions. Since taking on her role as CEO of Yahoo, stock prices have surged. This will set a precedent in the right direction, hopefully.

Women have to help themselves
Partly, women are to blame themselves for having remained silent for so long. They are still not making their presence known. Very few contribute to editorials, scholarly publications and have stayed away from the conversation.

No one will speak for you, if you do not speak up for yourself
Learn from a 15 year old like Malala who spoke for herself. She is from a country considered to be one of the bottom five places of the world where one could find themselves born. So am I. And, I am doing fine.

I speak for myself.

And here is your chance to do the same.

Cast your vote and pick your girl this year!

The polls are open till midnight on December 12 (EST). Out of the 40 names, see the name you want most up there and let's see whose name will win on December 14.


Saman Sheikh is a broadcast journalist with several years of experience in the media industry. She is currently a student at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. She has embarked on a journey to educate herself by pursuing a second master's degree in Media Strategy and Leadership in an effort to continue her pledge to educate the public with the power of media. Follow her @SumSheek

Photo Credit: TIME.com

Not Queen: She just won't shake your hand...

Why is it that we need to explain ourselves and our actions living in a society where we are considered outsiders? How can we build positive perceptions of those different from ourselves when we interact socially or in a professional setting?

As a Muslim woman who is a journalist and a proponent of applying media resources to educate the public, the following image was disturbing on many levels.

The caption read:

A British man came to Sheikh and asked:
Why is it not permissible in Islam for women to shake hands with a man?
The Sheikh said:
Can you shake hands with Queen Elizabeth?
British man said:

Of course no, there are only certain people who can
shake hands with Queen Elizabeth.
Sheikh replied:
Our women are queens and queens do not shake hands with strange men.
Then the British man asked the Sheikh:
Why do your girls cover up their body and hair?
The Sheikh smiled and got two sweets, he opened the first one and kept the other one closed. He threw them both on the dusty floor and asked the British:
If I ask you to take one of the sweets which one will you choose?
The British replied:
The covered one.
The Sheikh said:
That’s how we treat and see our woman...

It's a series of conflicting emotions when you see such images floating on Facebook, see how the likes of Malala are treated in a so-called female respecting Muslim society or read studies about how a strong handshake can make a first impression and get you that dream job.

I'll tell you what. These are extreme situations and these hard statements and rules have nothing to do with the average Muslim society or, how a prospective employer may respond if he was politely told at an interview: I'm sorry, I don't shake hands.

To me, it is upsetting that Muslim women are letting this float around social media- a possibly concocted Photoshop-ed image and an immature rendition of some random man's narrative be the voice of reason for their chosen code of conduct.

I ask the Muslim woman: Really, is this how you see yourself? Is this how you want others to see you?

An outsider would immediately step back and a non-Muslim woman might take offense to the suggestion that she may not be as "clean" a creature as this covered-up woman. Also, there is a large population of Muslim women who do not follow these traditions.

There is nothing wrong with following your cultural and religious beliefs when living in a society that has a different viewpoint as yours. The problem arises when there is miscommunication and when baseless arguments are presented to prove your point to others.

To those living in the 'host' western society and to those who have made it their new home, here are some things to keep in mind:

1.  Try to educate yourself about other cultures: If you are living in a society different from where you came from, try to adapt yourself without losing your values and persona. If you are a local, living in a country such as the US where you're seeing a growing population of people from different cultures, do the same- learn without pre-conceived notions or prejudices.

2. Make efforts to not marginalize or be marginalized when interacting in society: On either end, you cannot alienate yourself from the people and society you live in. You can only find a middle ground, seek and offer friendly explanations of what is suitable or not. As an intelligent, professional Muslim woman who wants to stick to her beliefs (not shake someone's hand or wear certain clothing etc) it will be easy to communicate your reasoning. Believe me, people listen and appreciate honesty. 

3. Please do not succumb to viral videos and images: The last thing anyone wants is media frenzy around objectionable images and ideas. Maybe some found this spoke to their souls, but there might have been many like myself who thought this was insulting and misinformed on so many levels. 

There are several examples of images and articles we stumble onto on a regular basis which simply don't appeal to our common sense and sensibilities. This is just one image, one article and one viewpoint, I hope would make you rethink you position on where you stand, what you believe in and how you approach those different from yourself.

Saman Sheikh is a broadcast journalist with several years of experience in the media industry. She is currently a student at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. She has embarked on a journey to educate herself by pursuing a second master's degree in Media Strategy and Leadership in an effort to continue her pledge to educate the public with the power of media. Follow her @SumSheek

Photo Credit: Facebook page, Gupshup