Marcie Sayiner is Managing Partner of IN CONTEXT, a marketing and public relations firm based in Vancouver, B.C. She is also a freelance writer who has been published in numerous national publications. Contact her at info@incontextonline.com.
While the battle of the sexes may not be settled anytime soon, it is good news to see that the gender gap is narrowing in the world of the Web.
When it hit the masses, it quickly became apparent that more men than women were lured into the Web. Watching from the sidelines, it was interesting the track the media attention which was devoted to exactly what women were doing on-line, and how to get them to do more.
When this gender gap began to close, e-businesses around the world breathed a sigh of relief. It was as early as August 2000 when Media Metrix and Jupiter Communications released a joint report that demonstrated that the number of women on-line had surpassed that of men for the first time ever. In fact, at that time, the population of women on-line was growing more rapidly than the on-line population overall.
Certainly, this was welcome news. More people on-line meant more interesting initiatives could be developed, and more women on-line meant the offerings could be diverse. However, despite the fact that more women were hopping on the bandwagon, few of them were actually entering the high tech workforce.
Unfortunately this trend continues. A study of employment in the computer and telecommunications industries by Statistics Canada found that women professionals in this industry fell from about 38 per cent in the early nineties to around 33 per cent last year. Yet, despite these statistics, many of those women who are actively involved in the high-tech industry do not feel limited by their gender.
Lindsay Smith, CEO of Techvibes, an on-line advertising company with a portal that unites professionals within the high-tech communities, admits it was a challenge to grow within the industry, but does not attribute this challenge to her gender. While her path to success may have been comparatively short, it has offered a number of lessons along the way.
"I won't say there isn't some stereotyping which takes place for women," said Ms. Smith. "But no matter who you are and what you choose to do, there will always be obstacles in your path. The key to success is finding ways to overcome them."
While I tend to agree, having enjoyed success in the high tech market myself, numbers rarely lie. While there are countless examples of women determined to make it in the high-tech industry, the statistics continue to suggest a shortage of women in the technology field may be inevitable. That is, unless something is done to alter this trend.
The good news is that something is being done. New initiatives are already underway to change this trend, and support for the next generation of women has been brought to the forefront. Not too long ago, the Globe and Mail featured an article by Ann Kerr showcasing groups who encourage high school girls to consider information technology as a profession. According to Ms. Kerr, there is general agreement that one of the most effective ways to get more women into IT is to start young.
So how young can one start?
For Simon Fraser University, primary school is young enough. Based in Surrey, BC, the University is widely known for its research and courses in interactive arts and technology. It is fitting then that the school has been teaching the next generation of computer scientists and artists even before they attend high school.
The school's program, called 'Girl Power: Computers and Creativity,' is tailored to girls in Grades six and seven. Offered in two separate summer sessions, girls work in teams to create multimedia projects, while learning about safe web surfing and careers in technology. Thanks to a partnership with Surrey School District 36, this learning has been complimented with recreational activities such as wall climbing, swimming and sports.
Initially launched as a pilot project, the camp hopes to continue this program annually after measuring its initial success, sponsored by Industry Canada's Information Highway Advisory Branch. Cindy Poremba, a lecturer and researcher at SFU Surrey who coordinated the camp, is confident that the program is making a difference in the girls' attitudes towards technology
"The girls have been given the opportunity to tell their own digital stories using video, sound and interactive technology. The focus is on creativity, teamwork, and above all, having fun," said Ms. Poremba, who indicated how impressed she was with the enthusiasm of the girls and how quickly there were able to learn and adapt.
So for the next generation, it appears that the future will be brighter. After all, more tech-savvy young women are now growing up with computers, with their knowledge of technology virtually in-bred. Unaccustomed to life without the Net, these young girls are more likely to incorporate high technology into their future then ever before. Add to this the nation-wide support of young women in technology through various programs including SFU's, and the gender gap should get smaller by the day for women both on the Web, and behind it.
