Forbes.com
"We don’t even know what the world would look like if we gave girls the leverage and power of technology.”
--Reshma Saujani
--Reshma Saujani
Reshma Saujani, an American lawyer, politician and activist, believes that failing at something is actually the best way to succeed! Why? Because, she says, “If you haven’t failed yet, you haven’t tried anything! I never 'get' things the first time, or second—more like third or fourth!”
The most important thing, says Reshma, is not being afraid of a challenge. And if you don't succeed the first time, try again! Reshma he believes that fear of failure holds girls and women back from achieving their full potential—especially in traditionally male-dominated fields like science and technology. She’s even written a book to help empower women, titled “Women Who Don’t Wait in Line: Break the Mold, Lead the Way.”
April 23rd is International Girls in Information and Communications Technologies Day. Let’s take a moment to explore the gender gap in those areas known as STEM: science, technology, engineering and math. Do you know that only one out of seven engineers in the United States is a woman? It’s true! And get this — when choosing a college major, just 0.3% of high school girls select computer science.
There are many theories as to why this is the case, but one thing’s for certain: Reshma wants it to change.
Growing up, Reshma’s father read books to her about people doing good things. “I always knew I wanted to serve,” she says. In addition to holding public office in New York City, she founded “Girls Who Code,” a national non-profit organization dedicated to exposing girls to computer science. The organization’s programs “work to inspire, educate, and equip girls with the computing skills to pursue 21st century opportunities.” Its goal is to teach 1 million girls to code by 2020, through summer programs, high school clubs, and online courses.
There are now over 160 Girls Who Code clubs across the country and 19 summer programs in five cities nationwide. One girl at a time, the organization is changing the perception of what a scientist looks like, and showing young women that technology can be the very thing that enables them to change the world!
http://girlswhocode.com
Continuing with our technology theme, next week's post will try to answer this interesting question: Can computers make art?
What do you think? Say tuned!
Leave a comment below, tweet us @MightyFingers, send us a message on Facebook, or email us at info@mightyfingersfacingchange.com!
The most important thing, says Reshma, is not being afraid of a challenge. And if you don't succeed the first time, try again! Reshma he believes that fear of failure holds girls and women back from achieving their full potential—especially in traditionally male-dominated fields like science and technology. She’s even written a book to help empower women, titled “Women Who Don’t Wait in Line: Break the Mold, Lead the Way.”
April 23rd is International Girls in Information and Communications Technologies Day. Let’s take a moment to explore the gender gap in those areas known as STEM: science, technology, engineering and math. Do you know that only one out of seven engineers in the United States is a woman? It’s true! And get this — when choosing a college major, just 0.3% of high school girls select computer science.
There are many theories as to why this is the case, but one thing’s for certain: Reshma wants it to change.
Growing up, Reshma’s father read books to her about people doing good things. “I always knew I wanted to serve,” she says. In addition to holding public office in New York City, she founded “Girls Who Code,” a national non-profit organization dedicated to exposing girls to computer science. The organization’s programs “work to inspire, educate, and equip girls with the computing skills to pursue 21st century opportunities.” Its goal is to teach 1 million girls to code by 2020, through summer programs, high school clubs, and online courses.
There are now over 160 Girls Who Code clubs across the country and 19 summer programs in five cities nationwide. One girl at a time, the organization is changing the perception of what a scientist looks like, and showing young women that technology can be the very thing that enables them to change the world!
http://girlswhocode.com
Continuing with our technology theme, next week's post will try to answer this interesting question: Can computers make art?
What do you think? Say tuned!
Leave a comment below, tweet us @MightyFingers, send us a message on Facebook, or email us at info@mightyfingersfacingchange.com!
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