Making women visible with WITs*
Computer science has revolutionized the world, but while algorithms, software solutions and artificial intelligence are increasingly shaping our everyday lives, one thing has remained constant for decades: the industry is male-dominated. Why do so few women choose a subject that is shaping our future? And what can be done about it? The WIT // Women in IT initiative at KIT is dedicated to these questions and more.
Exemplary - and yet the exception?
Enthusiasm for mathematics, unencouraging career advice and the advent of the Internet at home paved Ina Schaefer's way into computer science in the mid-1990s. Fortunately, you could say today. After completing her studies and doctorate, she is now a renowned professor of software engineering at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). In addition to her scientific expertise, the computer scientist is passionate about practical teaching and was awarded the Department of Informatics' Teaching Prize on May 17.
But Ina Schaefer is more than just an excellent scientist and lecturer: she is a visible and inspiring role model in a subject in which women are still significantly underrepresented.
In Germany, the proportion of female students in computer science is only 24%, at KIT even only 15% (as of 2024). So why do so few women choose this subject and what can be done about it?
Clichés and uncertainties: Stumbling blocks along the way
Persistent stereotypes and prejudices are a major problem. The image of the "typical nerd" or misconceptions about studying and everyday working life prevent many young people - especially girls - from deciding to study computer science.
Added to this is the so-called confidence gap: apparently, many girls are much more critical of their performance in mathematics and science than boys, even though they objectively perform just as well. To this day, the reason for this is often an unconscious difference in support and encouragement from parents and teachers. Such subliminal messages have an early effect and can influence self-image for years - with the result that many young women do not even consider pursuing this path.
Another factor is the lack of female role models. If you don't know a woman who works successfully in IT, it is often difficult to imagine yourself taking this path.
WIT - creating visibility, facilitating access, initiating change
To counteract this, the Department of Informatics at KIT launched the WIT // Women in IT initiative in 2020. The aim is to make women in computer science visible - whether as students, doctoral candidates or in professional life.
The initiative kicked off with a video series in which five women describe their personal experiences and individual paths into computer science. Their stories show: Computer science is diverse, exciting - and much more than common clichés suggest.
The series "And you like this?", in which students and alumni are interviewed about their day-to-day studies and career paths - including many women - already existed. Such personal stories and insights help to dispel fears and reservations and convey a realistic picture of the subject.
Events such as the Science Camp Informatics for Girls or the regular lunches for female computer scientists create spaces for exchange and networking. The aim is to promote mutual support and make it easier to enter the world of IT.
WIT is not just a project, it is also an expression of the department's change towards more equal opportunities. This includes, for example, the introduction of a teacher training course in computer science to train competent and problem-conscious specialist teachers. Schools must teach computer science as a creative, socially relevant subject and encourage girls in particular to pursue technical interests at an early age. The growing number of female professors at the department is also contributing to this change: They act as important role models for the next generation.
The future of IT is diverse
With "WIT // Women in IT", KIT is sending out a clear signal: Diverse IT is possible - if talent is promoted, role models are made visible and structural barriers are removed.
Ina Schaefer is also very keen to increase the proportion of women in computer science and encourages girls and young women to find their own path: "Computer science needs you; needs your perspectives! Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it. Have the courage."
* English for brains, intellect, acumen
This article uses generative AI for linguistic formulations. Responsibility for the content lies with the authors.
Isabel Häuser
Sebastian Schäfer