There's a big problem in the world of science and technology: not enough Black, Latina, and Indigenous women get the opportunity to work in these fields. However, groups are working to solve this problem. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are one group taking on this challenge.
They plan to help more women of color access tech jobs and training programs. They bring together people from different places — such as government, universities, and nonprofits — to figure out how to make things fairer. They will investigate why these gaps exist and find new ways to attract women of color into the world of technology. They plan to conduct research, hold workshops and share ideas to make the world of technology more welcoming.
This isn't just about jobs; It's about changing the overall look of the technology world. When young girls see women like them succeeding in technology, they think: “Hey, I can do that too!” This could inspire more girls to study STEM at school and pursue their dreams in technical careers.
Here's the thing: Although women of color make up a large portion of all women in the United States, they're harder to see in the tech world. They earn less than 10% computer science degrees and very few tech jobs. For example, only 3% of tech jobs are held by Black women. These numbers show that many talented women should take advantage of technological opportunities.
When people from different backgrounds work together, they develop better and more creative ideas. Technology products and services are better because they are designed with a wider range of people in mind.
For example, if a technology company has only one type of person making decisions, they may miss what others need or want. When women of color are part of the team, they bring unique experiences and insights. This leads to technology that works better for everyone.
So, what keeps women of color away from technology? A lot of it is due to the need for more support or opportunities. Some schools don't have great STEM programs, especially in communities with fewer resources. Even in the workplace, women of color often do not receive the same opportunities for growth and advancement as others. This needs to change.
Another big problem is unconscious bias. Often, without realizing it, people have certain ideas or stereotypes that make it difficult for Black girls and women to succeed in STEM subjects in school and work. This bias also shows up in technology, such as artificial intelligence, where technology can pick up on these unfair biases.
Everyone can play a role in making technology more inclusive. If you're a teacher, try to make STEM classes welcoming and fun for all students. If you work in technology, look around your office – does your team reflect the diversity of the world? If not, talk about hiring and promoting more equitably.
Companies can also create courses and training programs specifically for women of color. This gives them a starting point into technology careers. And we shouldn't forget mentorship, having someone to guide and encourage you can make a big difference.
Making technology more diverse isn't just nice to have; It is essential for our future. Technology is dramatically shaping our world, and everyone should have an opinion. By including more women of color in technology, we ensure that our future is built on the ideas and talents of all people.
The initiative with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine is a big step in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done. Schools need to teach in inclusive ways. Technology companies need to make sure they hire and promote fairly. And we really need mentors and support groups to encourage women of color to pursue STEM careers.
When the tech world excludes women of color, we all lose. Different viewpoints lead to new ideas and better inventions. Getting more women of color into STEM fields is not just good for them, but for everyone. The new initiatives are hopeful steps, but we must all step up to ensure every woman, regardless of their background, has a fair chance in science and technology.
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Dr. Misty D. Freeman is an educator, author, unconscious bias strategist, and AI futurist. She focuses on the impact of unconscious bias on Gen Z black girls and women in the learning, workplace, and technology environments; Artificial intelligence first and foremost.
www.drmistydfreeman.com
