The challenge facing parents and educators, however, is to make technology something that captures the interest of girls. But I have some friends who don't think it's cool or fun. There's a lot you can do with it. Showing girls what can be done with computers is a crucial focus, particularly as the technology industry faces a critical shortage of workers. Although the American workforce comprises nearly 50 percent women, only about 20 percent of information technology employees are women.
Experts point to that as one example of how women have been all but unwelcomed in the field.
In fact, computer science has seen a decrease in female employment, making it the only sector where women's participation is waning. To do that, GirlStart recruits women from the high-tech industry to serve as mentors and role models. They stage field trips to colleges and workplaces to show that ability in action. We're doing everything we can to change that. They often view the jobs as uninspiring and, despite having computer skills, they don't consider working in that field.