When discussing the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT), it is often viewed as an industry dominated by men. For instance, in 2021, the percentage of women working in computing occupations in the US was only 26%, according to the National Center for Women & Information Technology.
However, the involvement of women in computing history proves otherwise. Women such as Grace Hopper, who developed the first compiler while working on the Harvard Mark I computer, and Katherine Johnson, who worked on NASA’s Apollo missions, are just a few examples of women who have contributed to the industry.
As we celebrate the International Day of Girls in ICT, it is important to recognise the important role that women play in computing and to encourage young girls to pursue careers in this field. The involvement of women in ICT is critical for diversity, creativity, and innovation, and it is important that we continue to foster an inclusive environment that welcomes individuals of all genders to participate and succeed.
According to Ts. Nor Zakiah Gorment, a lecturer and researcher at the College of Computing and Informatics (CCI), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), mathematics serves as the foundation for computing and ICT. “Many of the algorithms, formulas, and equations used in computing are based on mathematical principles. And women have made significant contributions to mathematics throughout history. For example, Emmy Noether, a German mathematician, made substantial contributions to abstract algebra and theoretical physics in the early 1900s. Another remarkable figure is Maryam Mirzakhani, an Iranian mathematician who won the Fields Medal, the most prestigious award in mathematics, for her ground-breaking work on the dynamics and geometry of Riemann surfaces. And both the aforementioned Grace Hopper and Katherine Johnson started out their career as mathematicians too,” she explained.
However, perhaps the most prominent woman in the history of computing and mathematics is Ada Lovelace. Ada Lovelace was an English mathematician who worked with Charles Babbage, a pioneer in the field of computing. Lovelace is widely considered to be the world’s first computer programmer due to her work on Babbage’s Analytical Engine. She created the first algorithm intended to be carried out by a machine and was the first person to recognise the potential for computers to go beyond mere number-crunching and perform other tasks.
Lovelace’s work on the Analytical Engine laid the foundation for modern computing, and her contributions continue to inspire and influence the field to this day. In fact, the programming language Ada, used extensively in the military and aerospace industries since 1980s, is named in her honour.
“Ada Lovelace was one of my inspirations while studying computer studies at Universiti Malaya in the early 2000s, a time when the world of computing and internet were in its infancy. Knowing that a woman made a difference to the field meant a lot to me as a young student at that time, and as a researcher now,” said Ts. Nor Zakiah, who is currently working on obfuscated malware detection using machine learning.
The field of computing inarguably has come a long way since the days of Ada Lovelace, and the advancements made in recent years are nothing short of remarkable. The exponential growth in computing power and the development of artificial intelligence (AI) have enabled us to achieve feats that were once considered impossible.
The future of computing is predicted to be even more transformative, with the potential to revolutionise the way we live, work, and interact with the world around us. AI, in particular, is expected to have a significant impact on various industries, including healthcare, finance, and transportation.
However, it is important to remember that all of these advancements started with programming. Programming is the foundation upon which all computing and technological advancements are built. As the field of computing continues to evolve, programming will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future.
As the demand for skilled programmers continues to grow, it is essential that we encourage and support individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in computing. This includes women, who have historically been underrepresented in the field. By promoting diversity and inclusivity in computing, we can ensure that the future of computing is shaped by a wide range of perspectives and experiences.
So let us continue to celebrate the accomplishments of women in computing and work towards a more inclusive and diverse industry, where everyone has the opportunity to contribute their unique talents and voices.
Perhaps, the very thing that we need for the future is: more Ada Lovelaces.
Nahrizul Adib Kadri is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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