Computers are an integral part of our daily lives. From daily tasks such as operating a motor vehicle, to our work environment and our home, computers are a major part of our life. Women have played a key role in the development of computer concepts and programming over the past 50 years.
Among the first women to be involved in computer science was Ada Lovelace , a mathematician in the 1800s. She is considered to be the first programmer because of her work in writing the language for Charles Babbage’s analytical engine . As recognition of her accomplishments, the U.S. Defense Department in 1980 named a computer language, ADA, after her.
Over the years many women in addition to Ada Lovelace have been involved in creating computer programs. They include Grace Hopper , who helped create the COBOL computer language. Other women programmers include Betty Jennings, Betty Snyder, Marlyn Wescoff, Fran Bilas, Ruth Lichterman, and Kay McNulty helped create ENIAC in 1946. In 1962 Jean Sammet created the FORMAC programming language.
While women have played an important role in the history of the development of computers and computer programming, there is a concern over the future of women in computers. Women have been studying computer science in colleges and universities for many years, with Barbara Liscov in 1968 becoming the first women to receive a Doctorate in Computer Science. However, fewer women are majoring in computer science today than 10 or 20 years ago. This is prompting many colleges and universities to change their programs to become more appealing to women.
In addition to the women pioneers in the computer science field, many other women have made notable accomplishments in the field. Roberta Williams is one of the leaders in creating graphical elements for video games. Susan Kare created interface elements and icons for the Apple Mac. Other women that have contributed to the advancement of women in computer science include Radia Perlman , Sally Floyd, Eva Tardos , and Jeri Ellsworth .
Because women have played an important role in computer science, the pioneers have created several groups aimed at networking, sharing information, and advancing the cause of women in computers. Some of these organizations include the Association for Progressive Communications (Women’s Networking Support Program) , the British Computer Society (Women’s Group) , LinuxChix , and Girl Geek Dinners .
Women have had an impact on the past developments in the computer science field. With the work of these pioneers to pave the way, today’s women in computer science have many role models to help pave the way for their career paths.
