March 08, 2024

Producers' Corner: The HERstory of Tech

46 minutes

On this week of Women Talk Tech, Marie Wiese is joined by Producers of the podcast Maddie Yule and El Bush for a very special episode in honour of International Women’s Day. Join the Women Talk Tech Team for an exciting discussion about the “HER-story” of the technology industry and how we can forge a more equitable industry moving forward.

Connect with us:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-talk-tech-podcast/

Instagram: @womentalktechpodcast

Website: Womentalktech.co

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About the Podcast 🎙

In this special edition of Women Talk Tech, host Marie Weiss, alongside guests Elbush and Maddie Yule, delve into the 'herstory' of tech, covering the significant contributions of women from the pre-1960s era to the present day. They discuss the pioneering work of figures like Ada Lovelace and Grace Hopper, the challenges women faced in the tech industry from the 1960s to the 90s, and the ongoing impact of technology on women today.

Key Takeaways 💡

Ada Lovelace is recognized as the first computer programmer, highlighting the foundational role of women in tech.

Grace Hopper's contributions to programming languages set the stage for modern computing.

The Eniac girls' work on the world's first electronic computer during WWII showcased women's critical role in early tech developments.

Societal biases in the 50s, 60s, and 70s discouraged women from pursuing tech careers, falsely claiming they weren't suited for the field.

"Bro culture" in the tech industry perpetuated the idea of tech as a male-dominated field, marginalizing women.

Emily Chang's book "Brotopia" exposes flawed data and stereotypes that have historically limited women's opportunities in tech.

The use of outdated criteria in job interviews and assessments continues to perpetuate gender biases in the tech sector.

The decline in the percentage of women in tech from the 60s to 2024 is attributed to factors like lack of interest, feeling boxed out, and hostile work environments.

The problematic use of a centerfold image in the development of the JPEG algorithm symbolizes the tech industry's historical exclusion of women.

The lack of diversity in tech, exemplified by the creation of Facebook, underscores the need for an overhaul of the sector's values and practices.

AI's potential impact on women and people of color raises concerns about accountability, representation, and ethical decision-making in tech.

Promoting gender parity in tech requires encouraging young girls to consider tech careers and challenging stereotypes about who can succeed in the industry.

...more

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By Marie Wiese