By Karen Bennet

Many studies have shown a steep decline of girls entering the technology fields especially computer science and engineering at the university and college level. These studies have also identified that the main issues for retaining and interesting women in technology fields are a feeling of lack of knowledge, confidence and the geek culture.Universities across North America are changing their computer science programs to make them more appealing to women but the trend continues to decline in numbers. The question is what’s missing to solve this decline.

In interviewing a number of successful women in the IT world, I’ve found that the biggest influence in their life was their father. An encouraging father helped bring a positive attitude and confidence to these successful women. Unfortunately, the rapidly deteriorating family culture is causing many girls to grow up fatherless  and so getting the needed encourage and self-confidence is harder to acquire these days. From my experience, my father was always the one pushing and telling me that I could be anyone that I wanted. Upon reflection on my life, my father provided me the emotional security and confidence to take on any challenge. He promoted independence and created a comfortable environment for me to explore the world around me, which included technologies. I will always remember the Christmas where a scientific calculator was under the tree for me. It opened many doors of discovery for me and changed my future.

As I moved into the business world, I was fortunate to find a male mentor who has always been there for me throughout my career, and to this day, provides advice on business and family challenges. There have been many times when I felt that I lacked the skills to be successful but my mentor always provided good advice that energized me and pointed me in the right direction.

There is a survey of 7,411 participants that was conducted by SWIFT (Supporting Women in Information Technology), which found that females tend to believe that they lack the skill set needed to be successful in the technology fields. It took me a long while to understand the geek culture of the computing world, but it’s about believing in your ideas, and then continue to express them until the other ‘side’ gives in. Women have a tendency to present an idea once and if not accepted, believe that it was of no value. There is a lack of role models, networks and mentors for women so much of the time they are alone and at a loss with who to share information with. In my early days at IBM, I found a network of technology driven women. This network of women have helped support me during my career and provided continuous advice. Many of them have become very good friends. As a potential individual who is looking to enter the technology fields, there are a number of programs that have been introduced, such all-women/girls camps likeIBM’s EX.IT.E (EXploring Interests in Technology and Engineering) and courses (LadiesLearningCode) that are attempting to instil interest into technology and computing fields.

One thing I can’t stress enough is that you shouldn’t go at it alone. There are a number of visible networks for women such as Grace Hopper Celebration of Women conference series, TEDs Women which allows women in technology to share and collaborative with others and many local organizations who help mentor and support young women. The world of technology is shifting from individual contributions to interactive partnership systems. Women’s ability to multi-task, collaboration combined with technology skills will enable all of us t be key players in the world of technology. So find your inner “geek” self and come join the network of technology women making a difference.