In the winter semester 2022/2023, a total of 143,582 students enrolled on computer science courses in Germany, less than 20% of whom were women.
In the IT world, names like Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Mark Zuckerberg are ubiquitous and known worldwide. However, while these pioneers have undoubtedly made significant contributions, it is important to recognize that there have always been women in the history of information technology who have decisively shaped it with their vision and achievements.
The lack of recognition of these outstanding personalities in current discussions continues to contribute to the invisibility of female role models in the IT industry.
To mark Girls' Day, we therefore present three women who have each pioneered computer science in unique ways.
All three showed remarkable perseverance and determination to achieve their goals. Despite opposition and obstacles, they stood up for their convictions and were not discouraged by setbacks. They were not only characterized by their technical brilliance and innovative spirit, but above all acted as problem solvers and visionaries who sought new ways to overcome complex challenges and developed creative solutions.
Ada Lovelace, born Augusta Ada Byron on December 10, 1815, is considered by many to be the world's first female programmer. During her close collaboration with mathematician Charles Babbage on his Analytical Engine, she wrote her own extensive explanations when translating an article on the machine. In it, she illustrated the extensive potential of the machine beyond numerical calculations.
In the famous Note G, she added to her explanations instructions for calculating Bernoulli numbers using a graphical algorithm, which is considered to be one of the very first programs..
Her significant influence is recognized by the naming of the programming language Ada and other honors such as the Lovelace Medal and the Ada Lovelace Award. Lovelace died on November 27, 1852 at the age of just 36.
Both Lovelace and the women presented below were enthusiastic advocates of education and the exchange of knowledge. They were actively committed to passing on their knowledge and inspiring the next generation of women scientists and engineers.
Grace Hopper, born on December 9, 1906, was an American computer scientist and admiral in the US Navy. She is considered a pioneer in computer science and was instrumental in the development of the first compiler, which laid the foundation for modern programming languages.
During her career, she contributed significantly to the development of programming languages and concepts, including COBOL.
Her work revolutionized the way people interact with computers and made complex programs accessible to a wider audience.
Hopper was honored several times for her achievements, including the National Medal of Technology and, after her death, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She died on January 1, 1992.
Grace Hopper, as well as Margaret Hamilton, who we introduce next, showed leadership and entrepreneurial thinking by founding their own companies and taking a pioneering role in the industry. Their skills were therefore not limited to their technical expertise. The will to market their own ideas independently is still a driving factor in the IT sector today. In the midst of many male-dominated start-ups, her achievements can serve as a role model for young women.
Margaret Hamilton, born August 17, 1936, is an American computer scientist known for her outstanding contributions to software development. During her career, she played a critical role in developing the software for NASA's Apollo space program, particularly for the Apollo flights to the moon. Her work was critical to the safety and success of the moon landings.
Hamilton was a pioneer in the development of software engineering methods and was also one of the first to coin the term Software Engineering. She founded her own software company, Hamilton Technologies, and continues to be a strong advocate for the advancement of women in computer science.
Her achievements have been recognized many times, including the NASA Exceptional Space Act Award and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
The advancements in computer science that these three women have been instrumental in initiating have not only laid the foundation for many developments within the tech industry, but have also broken down the barriers for women in technical careers.
In order to increase the amount of female students choosing to study computer science in the coming years, IT companies need to create a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages women to choose a career in the IT industry.
At IT Sonix, diversity is therefore not only advertised, but lived.
With a percentage of 24.5% female employees, IT Sonix is well above the German average of 16.6% in the IT industry.
With many women in a wide range of positions, from team leads and project managers to management, we send a clear message about the importance of gender equality and thus create an environment in which all employees in all functions are made visible and respected.
Photo sources:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Grace_Hopper.jpg
https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:MargaretHamilton-_restoration.jpg