WOMEN IN COMPUTER SCIENCE

Even though there are considerable changes in how we perceive women in society, it wouldn’t be absurd to say that they are still underestimated in many fields, including computer science. It is even suggested that women also find themselves less capable than men under specific conditions. Similarly, women who are in the process of being a computer scientist, lack mentorship and support. Binnur, after pointing out this problem, mentioned her idea of a Youtube channel for online mentorship in computer science in Turkish, since there are many young women in Turkey who do not have access to educational programs outside of the internet.

Female/male ratio of employment in computer science is approximately 1/9. However, today there are many initiatives, scholarships and other types of programs which aim to encourage women, which is a very promising opportunity for aspiring women to follow their path. Young women need to be informed and motivated about such initiatives.

It is also important to sustain the communication between successful women in technology and young women. These role models are one of the biggest inspirations for women and are actual proofs that women are no less capable than men. On another note, there are limited resources for Turkish women. They should unite their powers and support each other to create a generation of successful women in computer science so that gender discrimination will no longer be a problem.

WOMEN TECHMAKERS SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Women Techmakers Scholars Program is an academic scholarship, awarded based on academic performance, leadership, and impact on the community of women in tech. As a former scholar of this program, Binnur gave information on the application and scholarship processes, as well as sharing her own experience and giving tips.

• It is very important to be original in your application and not to be a reprint.
• Integrating your personal experience is much valued.
• Applications are scrutinized separately each year, which means even though you weren’t chosen the first time you applied, keep trying and improve your application.

Scholars not only benefit from the scholarship, but they also continue to improve gender equality in computer science. That is achieved by working groups which regularly meet online, each group focusing on a problem and coming up with applicable solutions for it. This is why the program is also an opportunity to enlarge your network and meet fellow scientists and engineers.

GRACE HOPPER CELEBRATION

Grace Hopper Celebration is a conference held once a year, aimed at bringing women scientists together to encourage women in computer science. It has a vast scope including students, academicians, researchers and industry professionals. This two-day event gives its participants the chance to get to know the community, provides career opportunities and empowers women.

When asked what she acquired from Anita Borg Scholarship and Grace Hopper Conference, Binnur states that her experiences expanded her vision, which is why she wants to share it with others in universities and other communities, such as in Woman Hackers Talk & Cocktail. She says it is important to reach people with the same problems as you and make connections with more.

DISCUSSION & COCKTAIL

After the fireside chat, we had a cocktail and networking with guests, inzva members and friends, and welcomed professors from computer science departments in several universities. We had a further discussion on how inzva can act as an institution to better include women in computer science and other related areas.

Putting together the outcomes of the event and our drive for improving computer science society, we’ve come up with a mentorship programme which will serve as a tool for bringing together young women and role models such as Binnur and Gönül. The plan is to regularly arrange meetings with the mentors and the mentees and eventually create a community of people working to include more women in computer science.