Women in Computing: Attitudes and Experiences

This paper presents research in progress about the attitudes and experiences of women in computing. The study was conducted within female students, aged between 16 and 25 years old, and teachers in high schools and universities. A survey was also presented to professional women in the computer science area. The questionnaire was prepared with 18 questions concerning general information about the motivation to choose computer sciences and computing/informatics as a thematic area to be followed at university level; the context they had at home using a computer; the use by other family members; the influences they had to use a computer, either at home or in other places; and their thoughts about computing. To complement the data gathered, semi-structured interviews were designed. The conclusions were that the number of females in computer science studies are increasing comparing to male positions; however, more work should be done to improve their motivation. The main contribution of this paper is the testimony of the Portuguese situation concerning the topic.