Consider the history: That Time When Women Stopped Coding

What occurred during the same time as the beginning of the decline of women in computer science?

The decline of women in computer science started when personal computers were introduced in U.S. homes and marketed almost entirely to men and boys.

Why does it matter that males had been playing on computers growing up?

Male students in computer science classes had an advantage over female students because professors assumed that all students had experience with computers, and families were more likely to buy computers for boys than for girls. This lack of experience could make female students feel discouraged and less likely to succeed in computer science.

Review the data: Employee breakdown of key technology companies

Why diversity matters to your tech company

When are diversity efforts most successful?

According to the article, diversity efforts are most successful when they are integrated into the company's culture, and when leaders are committed to making diversity a priority. It is also important to have a diverse pipeline of candidates and to invest in training and development programs for underrepresented groups.

Why do diverse companies perform better?

Diverse companies perform better because they have access to a wider range of perspectives and experiences, which can lead to better decision-making and problem-solving. Diversity can also help companies better understand and serve diverse customer bases, as well as attract and retain top talent.

Give an example of how a diverse company can serve a diverse user base or vise-versa.

A clothing company that values diversity may design clothing that caters to different body types, cultural preferences, and personal styles. For example, they may offer a wide range of sizes, including plus sizes, and may incorporate traditional patterns or fabrics from different cultures into their designs. This allows them to serve a diverse customer base and make all customers feel included and valued. In turn, this can lead to increased customer loyalty and positive word-of-mouth advertising.