The struggle to support women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields is becoming increasingly difficult. As corporations tighten their budgets and cultural changes occur, diversity strategies are taking a back seat. Ada Lovelace Day, an annual celebration of women in STEM, is one initiative that is facing financial uncertainty.
Suw Charman-Anderson, the founder of Ada Lovelace Day, created the event in 2009 after feeling “fundamentally unwelcome” as one of only three women in her science degree class. She grew tired of attending tech conferences without seeing any women on stage. However, Charman-Anderson admits that the initiative is running out of funds and that she can no longer make the financial sacrifice to keep it going.
Although Ada Lovelace Day is not a high-budget operation, it has struggled to secure sponsorship. Despite high attendance figures at events, the initiative has often received less than half of the £55,000 it secured in sponsorships at its peak. Charman-Anderson expresses frustration at receiving praise from the tech community without receiving the much-needed financial support. She is not alone in facing this struggle, as other women in STEM support groups have encountered similar challenges.
This year, Women Who Code, a US-based charity with 145,000 members, suddenly closed due to funding issues. Additionally, the US non-profit Girls in Tech closed after 17 years, stating lack of funding as the main reason for its closure. In the UK, the Tech Talent Charter, which aimed to promote diversity in the sector, also shut down, blaming tech companies for abandoning their diversity commitments.
The reduction in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts is causing concern and generating a lot of debate. Many corporations, both large and small, are cutting back on their DEI teams and budgets. This shift is seen by some as a result of budget constraints, while others believe it reflects a broader cultural change that prioritizes other issues over diversity.
Notable figures in the tech industry hold differing views on the importance of diversity. Elon Musk, for example, controversially dismissed DEI efforts as “just another word for racism.” In contrast, Apple CEO Tim Cook emphasizes the importance of diversity in the tech industry, stating that it leads to better solutions.
Despite these differing opinions, the lack of diversity in the tech industry is still a prevalent issue. Data from major tech companies shows that most of their workforce and leadership positions are occupied by men. For example, Apple’s most recent diversity data reveals that only 35% of its global workforce are women, with a similar representation in its leadership teams. Google and Microsoft also report low percentages of women in their organizations.
In the UK, the underrepresentation of women in STEM education is still evident. Although more women are choosing to study computing science at university compared to previous years, the majority of applicants for entry this year were male. This gender imbalance highlights the importance of creating a supportive environment for women in STEM fields.
MC Spano, a female tech firm boss, emphasizes the significance of camaraderie among women in STEM. She recounts her daughter’s experience of requesting to move down from her top set maths class because she was the only girl in it. Spano believes that having a sense of community and support is just as important in STEM classes as academic achievement.
Caitlin Gould, who runs TecWomenCIC in Cornwall, faces constant challenges in securing funding for her organization’s coding club project for school girls. Gould spends up to 60% of her time searching for funding opportunities, describing the organization’s financing as “a patchwork quilt.” Often, funding comes in the form of one-off payments or is offered for new initiatives, making it difficult to sustain successful campaigns.
Another organization facing financial difficulties is TeenTech, which aims to engage children aged between eight and 19 in STEM activities. Maggie Philbin, a former presenter of Tomorrow’s World, has been involved with TeenTech for the past 15 years. Philbin acknowledges that funding is always an issue and that working on a hand-to-mouth basis can be frustrating.
Despite the challenges, initiatives like TeenTech have proven to be successful in challenging stereotypes and inspiring children. Feedback from TeenTech participants has highlighted the positive impact of STEM education, including the surprising realization that girls are proficient in tech.
In conclusion, the struggle faced by women in STEM support groups is a combination of shrinking budgets and changing cultural priorities. Ada Lovelace Day and other organizations have encountered funding issues, leading to uncertainty about their future. The lack of financial support is a reflection of the ongoing struggle for money in the women in STEM sector. However, the importance of diversity in STEM fields is still recognized by many, including influential figures like Tim Cook. Efforts to support women in STEM need consistent funding to provide opportunities and foster a sense of belonging, camaraderie, and community.
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