Gender and computing

Abstract

Worldwide, information technology (IT) has exhibited phenomenal growth over the past several decades. This growth underlies the creative and analytical processes for the full range of endeavors ranging from science to business and social interaction, and it powers the burgeoning IT economy. Other benefits include vast career opportunities (OECD 2012), and the implications associated with unparalleled access to information. Finally, a benefit noted in many nations is that women’s access to IT and participation in computing can be an important mechanism of economic growth and societal development. Nevertheless, women and men are seldom equal participants in this boom.