EHUko Informatikak 50 urte: 5 emakumeren begirada

Introduction to the Event

Welcoming Remarks

• The event begins with a warm welcome, highlighting the presence of several women who will share their experiences in the field of computer science.

• The speaker notes that today marks two significant anniversaries: International Women's Day and the 50th anniversary of the establishment of three computer science faculties in Spain.

Significance of the Date

• March 4th is recognized as a pivotal date for women's contributions to technology, coinciding with the creation of computer science faculties in Barcelona, Madrid, and Donostia.

• The speaker expresses excitement about hearing from women from different generations and backgrounds within computing, emphasizing diverse perspectives.

Discussion on Gender Representation in Computing

Current Challenges

• There is a concern regarding low female representation in computer science programs; only 8% are women in engineering degrees and around 30% in artificial intelligence courses.

• Despite various initiatives aimed at encouraging female participation, there remains a significant gap in enrollment numbers.

Purpose of Gathering

• To address this issue, the idea arose to listen to women's experiences over the past 50 years to understand barriers and motivations better.

• A structured Q&A session will follow where each participant will respond to similar questions about their journeys into computing.

Profiles of Featured Women

Introduction of Panelists

• Zuzana Mendi introduces herself as an alumna from 1986 with extensive experience working at Mondragon Group and later transitioning into auditing systems related to cybersecurity.

• Ana Peina Suárez completed her degree in 1995 and has worked across both private and public sectors while being involved with professional associations since 2022.

Academic Contributions

• Maider Azanza has been part of academia since earning her degree in 2005; she focuses on technical aspects alongside human factors within software development.

• Nerea Alberdi Odriozola specializes in robotics and artificial intelligence applications while actively engaging youth through educational projects aimed at inspiring girls towards STEM fields.

Emerging Voices

• Mikelena Endaiarra graduated recently (2016), having participated in international exchanges. She emphasizes her journey through practical experiences during her studies.

Engagement with Audience Experiences

Interactive Session Ahead

• The panelists represent diverse backgrounds and eras within computing. Their insights aim to shed light on how technology education has evolved over time for women.

Discussion on Women in Technology and Career Choices

Reflections on Gender Representation in Education

• The speaker recalls the historical context of women's presence in education, particularly in technology fields, noting a lack of awareness about gender disparities at that time.

• There is an acknowledgment of the challenges faced during the "B boom" era when job opportunities were scarce, influencing career choices towards fields perceived to offer better employment prospects.

Personal Motivations for Choosing a Career

• The speaker shares their background in sciences and mathematics as a driving factor for choosing their career path, emphasizing a preference for scientific disciplines over humanities.

• They reflect on how limited knowledge about future career options influenced their decisions, highlighting a general uncertainty regarding what studying technology would entail.

Family Influence and Support

• The speaker mentions positive familial support for pursuing studies that promised job security, with their father expressing pride in their educational choices.

• Despite this support, there was little awareness of the significant gender differences that would later become apparent in professional environments.

Gender Disparities Observed Over Time

• A realization emerges regarding the stark contrasts between men and women within the workforce, particularly within technology sectors; this awareness developed gradually throughout their career.

• The speaker notes that during their academic journey, they were part of a small percentage (around 30%) of women studying technology-related subjects.

Cultural Artifacts from Their Generation

• As representative artifacts from their generation, diskettes are mentioned alongside other technological items like cassette tapes and CDs which marked significant advancements during that period.

• The discussion includes personal anecdotes about navigating early computing technologies such as floppy disks while also reflecting on broader cultural shifts related to music consumption.

Educational Experiences and Female Role Models

• The speaker discusses uncertainty regarding which field to pursue after high school but expresses an affinity for chemistry and mathematics despite initial indecision.

• They highlight having female role models within their family who pursued engineering and science careers, contributing positively to perceptions around women's capabilities in technical fields.

Career Choices and Gender in Technology

Personal Journey in Education and Career

• The speaker reflects on their career choice, initially uncertain between medicine and telecommunications, ultimately choosing telecommunications after three years of engineering school.

• They express a lack of interest in architecture or networks, highlighting a familial influence as their father was an early university student in the field.

• Research from Sweden is mentioned, indicating that many women who study computer science often have strong interests in science and mathematics but face stereotypes.

Gender Representation in Education

• The speaker notes being one of very few women (only one among 15 students) in elective classes during their studies.

• They recount the introduction of the internet at home coinciding with starting university, which sparked significant changes within their educational environment.

• Their passion for mathematics and physics led them to choose a career path where they felt there were limited references or role models available.

Influences on Career Decision

• The decision to pursue computer science was influenced by interactions with professionals during campus visits; they had numerous questions for an IT professional they met.

• Family support played a crucial role as job opportunities were favorable at that time, allowing them to continue pursuing technology despite initial uncertainties.

Challenges Faced by Women in Tech

• The speaker discusses how societal expectations may have influenced perceptions about women's roles in fields like medicine versus engineering.

• They mention considering teaching as an alternative but ultimately decided on computer science due to personal interests aligning more closely with technology than education.

Observations on Gender Dynamics

• Conversations with female math teachers highlighted the importance of having relatable figures while navigating through predominantly male environments.

• Reflecting on class demographics, they note that out of approximately 90 students, only about 10–15 were women, raising concerns about gender representation over time.

Current Perspectives on Gender Issues

• The speaker shares insights from recent discussions with students who feel odd studying computer science among peers, suggesting ongoing challenges related to gender perception.

• They emphasize that while past experiences did not reflect these feelings strongly for them personally, current female students seem to experience more pressure regarding their presence in tech fields.

Experiences in Faculty Life

Reflections on Gender Dynamics and Support

• The speaker reflects on their experiences in the faculty, noting a generally positive environment with no significant issues related to gender among peers or professors.

• They mention not encountering any sexist stereotypes during their time at the faculty, although societal influences outside of academia were acknowledged.

• The speaker recalls that the first year involved practical examinations based on local events, emphasizing a supportive atmosphere where students could engage directly with professors.

• They express that while they felt comfortable within their peer group, there was an underlying awareness of potential biases that may have existed but were not overtly recognized at the time.

• The discussion touches upon how group dynamics sometimes placed pressure on female students to perform differently compared to male counterparts, highlighting subtle forms of social pressure experienced in academic settings.

Observations on Professional Transition

• The speaker notes feeling a sense of responsibility when working in groups dominated by male colleagues and mentions instances where they felt pressured regarding participation due to gender expectations.

• They reflect on how these pressures are reflective of broader societal norms rather than specific issues within the faculty itself, indicating a disconnect between personal experiences and external societal views.

• Upon entering the job market, they became more aware of gender disparities that had previously gone unnoticed during their studies, suggesting a shift in perspective as they transitioned into professional life.

• The speaker emphasizes that while there were diverse groups within the faculty without noticeable stereotypes or differences at that time, this perception changed when faced with real-world challenges post-graduation.

• They highlight strong support from both peers and some professors during their studies but acknowledge variations in relationships depending on individual teaching styles and backgrounds.

Insights into Gender Awareness Over Time

• Reflecting back after several years, the speaker expresses surprise at how perceptions have evolved regarding gender roles and stereotypes since their time as students.

• They discuss how awareness around feminism and gender equality has developed over time, noting it wasn't a prominent topic during their education which may have influenced collective memories about discrimination or bias.

• The conversation concludes with an acknowledgment that if they returned to those environments now, they might perceive things differently due to increased awareness of social issues surrounding gender.

Transitioning to the Workforce

Experiences of Gender in Academia and Work

• The speaker reflects on their academic experience, noting a lack of perceived gender differences among professors, both male and female.

• They inquire about the transition from academia to the workforce, asking if participants noticed any disparities in opportunities or promotions compared to male colleagues.

• The discussion highlights that while academia is often seen as meritocratic, biases still persist, particularly when evaluating candidates for positions.

Research Findings on Gender Bias

• A study from 2012 revealed significant discrepancies in evaluations of curricula vitae (CVs), showing that male CVs were rated more favorably than female ones despite similar qualifications.

• Another research effort focused on postdoctoral applications also indicated that men’s applications received higher scores than women’s, emphasizing systemic bias in hiring practices.

Personal Anecdotes and Observations

• The speaker shares an anecdote about being invited to give a talk at a corporate event where they had to submit slides beforehand; this led to discussions about preparation time and expectations placed on them compared to male colleagues.

• They recount experiences during their doctoral studies where they felt pressure regarding presentation quality and how it was perceived differently based on gender.

Challenges Faced by Women in Leadership Roles

• The speaker discusses entering the workforce at a young age and feeling their contributions were undervalued compared to those of male peers.

• An example is given where the speaker's input was overlooked during discussions, highlighting subtle forms of discrimination present even in collaborative environments.

Addressing Discrimination and Seeking Equality

• The conversation touches upon the need for women to assert themselves more within professional settings despite facing potential discrimination or bias.

• There is acknowledgment that while some may not recognize overt discrimination, it exists subtly within workplace dynamics.

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of raising one's voice and participating actively in discussions as a means of combating these issues.

Conclusion: Ongoing Struggles for Equity

• Despite advancements, there remains a perception that women face additional pressures related to performance expectations in professional settings.

• The narrative concludes with reflections on leadership roles available for women and ongoing challenges faced when seeking equal representation within various fields.

Job Search Experiences and Gender Dynamics in the Workplace

Initial Job Search Challenges

• The speaker reflects on their lack of experience during their job search, expressing a desire to understand what type of environment feels more comfortable for them.

• They recall seeing a job advertisement at a local bulletin board and making a call to an IT company that has since closed down, highlighting the challenges faced in finding relevant positions.

• The speaker mentions traveling with classmates across various companies in search of jobs, noting that while many peers found employment, they did not.

Discovering Opportunities Through Promotions

• A significant turning point occurred when they participated in a large-scale job fair organized by cooperatives, where 300 candidates were present but only six were hired.

• The speaker emphasizes that despite being outnumbered by men in the workforce, they did not face discrimination based on gender during this initial phase of employment.

Gender Disparities in Professional Advancement

• The discussion shifts to the financial sector's male-dominated environment, where women are underrepresented in leadership roles and responsibilities.

• The speaker shares personal experiences regarding hiring practices that favor male candidates who meet less stringent criteria compared to female candidates who feel pressured to fulfill all requirements.

Observations on Salary and Promotion Inequities

• There is an acknowledgment of significant disparities between men and women concerning salary levels and promotional opportunities within private sectors.

• The speaker notes that men often require less preparation or qualifications for promotions compared to women, who tend to overprepare themselves.

Reflections on Workplace Experiences

• They recount instances where male colleagues received higher salaries despite having less experience or qualifications than female counterparts.

• In another role as project manager, the speaker observed how promotions were handled differently for men versus women, leading to feelings of frustration regarding equity in career advancement.

Discussion on Gender Dynamics in the Workplace

Experiences of Transparency and Recognition

• The speaker reflects on their experiences in meetings, noting a lack of response when trying to help, indicating a possible discomfort with correction from women.

• Observations reveal that compliments and recognition often favor men over women, with women's achievements being acknowledged more discreetly.

Communication Challenges

• The speaker discusses the difficulties faced when expressing opinions during discussions, highlighting the need for clarity without unnecessary translation.

• There are mentions of group dynamics where some members would intentionally mislead others about meeting times or information.

Work Environment Preferences

• The speaker prefers working alone but values teamwork in a supportive environment where diverse experiences contribute positively.

• They emphasize that female leaders often have to prove themselves more than their male counterparts, noting a lack of unqualified women in high positions compared to men.

Gender Bias in Career Advancement

• A commentary is made on how while women work hard, men seem to advance more easily into higher positions within organizations.

• The speaker recounts an interview question regarding women's roles in the workforce and societal expectations surrounding motherhood.

Imposter Syndrome and Personal Identity

• Questions arise about whether being an IT professional impacts personal identity and life perception; strategies for maintaining confidence are discussed.

• The speaker expresses pride in their identity as an IT professional and shares efforts to showcase this aspect of themselves despite feelings of imposter syndrome.

Overcoming Self-Doubt

• Reflections on self-doubt highlight how initial perceptions can lead one to underestimate their knowledge or contributions.

• The importance of age and experience is noted as factors that build confidence over time, enabling better defense of one's ideas.

Broader Perspectives on Technology's Role

• There's acknowledgment that technology shapes understanding and logic differently among individuals, emphasizing the need for diverse viewpoints.

• Finally, the discussion touches upon ongoing gender imbalances within tech fields and how these dynamics continue to influence workplace interactions.

Discussion on Education and Work Experiences

Reflections on University and Student Interactions

• The speaker reflects on their experiences at Erasmus, emphasizing the interactions with students from different universities, particularly those from France who have a prestigious background in Christian schools.

• They discuss the challenges of presenting ideas, including the role of artificial intelligence in shaping thoughts and strategies for gaining confidence in professional settings.

Navigating Professional Challenges

• The speaker shares personal experiences of feeling unqualified to critique poor ideas but emphasizes the importance of honesty in communication.

• They highlight how feminism plays a significant role in their life outside work, balancing social interactions with professional responsibilities.

Personal Growth and Learning

• The speaker discusses feelings of frustration when others do not understand their work, noting that this is common across various fields.

• They mention a fluid personal identity within the tech field, recognizing that risk assessment is central to both technology and life decisions.

Imposter Syndrome and Confidence Building

• The speaker has never felt like an imposter due to extensive study and preparation for audits; they believe learning is essential for success.

• They note that intelligent colleagues often serve as mentors, while those who feel insecure can create more problems.

Strategies for Maintaining Confidence

• Key strategies include continuous learning, being prepared for tasks, investing time into understanding subjects deeply, and identifying mentors who can provide guidance.

• The speaker acknowledges moments of self-doubt when starting new roles or adapting to new technologies but emphasizes resilience through experience.

Balancing Work and Family Life

• When discussing work-life balance after becoming a mother, they describe how their husband took parental leave which was met with resistance at his workplace due to gender norms.

• They share insights about navigating career challenges while managing family responsibilities during early motherhood.

Discussion on Work-Life Balance and Imposter Syndrome

Personal Experiences with Work-Life Decisions

• The speaker shares a personal anecdote about deciding not to take reduced work hours after having twins, emphasizing the importance of mutual decisions in partnerships.

• Reflecting on whether their decision was right or wrong, the speaker acknowledges the complexity of such choices.

Impact of Academic Programs on Leadership

• The speaker discusses how their background in informatics helps structure problem-solving and evaluate risks effectively.

• They mention participating in an academic leadership program for women, which provided valuable techniques and fostered connections with other accomplished women.

Addressing Imposter Syndrome

• A colleague's perspective on imposter syndrome is shared, highlighting that feeling less knowledgeable than peers is common among academics.

• The speaker reflects on the challenges of maintaining well-being amidst professional pressures and humorously critiques academic expectations regarding vacation time.

Coping Mechanisms During Thesis Writing

• To cope with stress during thesis writing, the speaker turned to baking as a form of active meditation but later switched to knitting when family members expressed concern over their baking habits.

• Knitting is described as a way to focus attention and reduce anxiety, contrasting it with traditional meditation methods that didn't suit them.

Observations on Societal Changes and Professional Growth

• The speaker notes improvements in awareness regarding gender differences in academia compared to previous years, suggesting progress despite ongoing challenges.

• They emphasize the importance of maintaining consciousness about these differences to continue advancing equality within professional environments.

Discussion on Women's Roles and Future in Technology

Importance of Women in Education and Technology

• The speaker emphasizes the increasing involvement of women in education, particularly in technology-related fields, highlighting a positive trend.

• There is a concern about the perception that things are getting worse over time; however, the speaker believes there has been progress compared to 20 years ago.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

• The discussion shifts towards future challenges, particularly regarding artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on job opportunities for younger generations.

• The speaker expresses excitement about technological advancements but also acknowledges concerns about adapting to these changes within the workforce.

Continuous Learning and Gender Dynamics

• A call for continuous professional development is made, stressing that women should not feel discouraged if they do not meet all job requirements initially.

• The speaker notes a difference in how men approach career advancement compared to women, suggesting that hard work alone may not guarantee success.

Structural Changes Needed for Equality

• There is an urgent need for structural changes to support women's advancement in leadership roles within organizations.

• A personal anecdote highlights the disparity between male-dominated leadership structures and female representation at higher levels.

Addressing Recruitment Issues

• A comment from a general manager points out that while recruitment appears balanced at entry-level positions, gender disparities emerge at higher levels without clear reasons.

• Suggestions are made for eliminating favoritism in hiring practices to improve women's promotion prospects within private companies.

Perceptions of Technology Careers

• The speaker reflects on societal stereotypes surrounding technology careers, advocating for broader recognition of diverse roles beyond traditional views.

• With AI's introduction into various tasks, there is optimism about new opportunities arising even as some jobs become obsolete.

Future Outlook and Personal Reflections

• The speaker shares their perspective on future job security amidst technological evolution while encouraging students to embrace courage in pursuing tech careers.

• They conclude by acknowledging the rapid changes occurring due to AI's influence on education and teaching methodologies.

Discussion on Artificial Intelligence and Work Dynamics

Personal Insights on AI's Impact

• The speaker expresses a strong belief in the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in various tasks, particularly those that are mechanical in nature.

• They emphasize that AI could lead to more opportunities for investment in other areas by freeing up time previously spent on repetitive tasks.

Concerns About Time Management

• There is a concern regarding who will manage the time freed up by AI, indicating a competitive aspect among companies.

• The speaker reflects on their experiences working with students and how they perceive the integration of AI into their lives.

Learning and Adaptation

• The necessity to learn about risks associated with AI is highlighted, suggesting that adaptation is crucial as technology evolves.

• The speaker advocates for using AI constructively while also addressing structural changes within organizations.

Gender Equality and Technology

• A call for fighting against inequalities in technology fields, including feminism, is made, stressing the importance of inclusivity.

Reflections on Education and Language

• The speaker shares personal anecdotes about learning languages and how it shapes understanding of different cultures.

• They recount their journey from anthropology to computer science, illustrating the interdisciplinary nature of knowledge acquisition.

Cultural Perspectives on Science and Humanities

Interdisciplinary Connections

• Discussion revolves around the perceived divide between sciences and humanities, emphasizing that both fields contribute valuable insights.

Personal Experiences with Language Learning

• The speaker discusses their experience learning languages as a means to understand diverse perspectives better.

Challenges in Communication

• They reflect on societal perceptions of scientists versus humanists, advocating for recognition of contributions from both domains.

Final Thoughts on Inclusivity in Knowledge Sharing

Embracing Diversity in Education

• The importance of sharing stories from various backgrounds is emphasized as a way to enrich collective understanding.

Overcoming Stereotypes

• Acknowledgment of stereotypes surrounding 'nerdy' or 'fringe' interests highlights the need for broader acceptance within academic circles.

This structured summary captures key discussions from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Discussion on Aspirations and Feminism

The Desire for Balance in Life

• The speaker reflects on the idea of wanting to have it all, likening their aspirations to the phrase "We want to have our cake and eat it too," indicating a desire for both personal fulfillment and professional success.

• They express a longing for various life experiences, such as working, raising children, and enjoying vacations, emphasizing that these desires are not mutually exclusive.

• A personal anecdote is shared where the speaker recalls being labeled as a feminist with the implication that they only want to enjoy life's pleasures without responsibility. They affirm their desire for both enjoyment and responsibility.

• The speaker acknowledges feelings of fatigue when discussing these topics in English but remains committed to moving forward positively despite challenges.

• Gratitude is expressed towards the audience or participants, highlighting an ongoing journey of discussion and self-exploration.