Documentary addresses dearth of women software engineers

Why are more young women and people of color not seeking opportunities in computer science, and what roles do cultural mindsets, stereotypes, educational hurdles and sexism play in this national crisis?

In an event seeking answers to these questions, the UB Women in STEM Cooperative is partnering with WNY STEM to bring the Western New York premiere of the documentary “CODE: Debugging the Gender Gap” to UB.

The CODE documentary examines the low numbers of American female and minority software engineers and explores the reasons for the gender gap and digital divide.

The documentary is part of an event that is focused on advancing more women and minorities into career fields in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The CODE event will be held from noon to 2 p.m. May 17 in 280 Park Hall, North Campus.

Prior to the film, the event’s opening remarks will be delivered by U.S. Chief Technology Officer Megan Smith live via videoconference. A 1982 graduate of Buffalo’s City Honors School, Smith advises President Obama and the government on better uses of technology, including ways to create jobs and expand broadband use.

Following the documentary, a panel discussion, “Women Working in STEM Fields,” will offer candid information from women who have succeeded in STEM careers.

“Thirteen percent of our incoming freshman class in CSE this year will be female — we have a long way to go, but we are beginning to see an uptick,” says Rohini Srihari, a professor in the Department of Computer Science and Engineering and member of the CODE panel.

“I would encourage women currently at UB to join groups such as Scientista here at the university to discover the rewarding and fun careers that await them should they pursue a STEM field — and yes, STEM can be fun,” Srihari says. “Such groups also provide mentorship and technical training sessions to help these young women persevere in their chosen disciplines.”

Sharmistha Bagchi-Sen, chair of the Department of Geography, says that while acquiring technical skills is important at early stages of each student’s education, women should not quit if their course grades are not A’s.

“They need to know the barriers and persist,” says Bagchi-Sen, who is also on the panel. “The virtual world is a source of information if the necessary support is not available in their immediate surroundings: Learn from the virtual network how to understand and navigate your local environment.

“Advancement requires a combination of hard and soft skills, which means understanding the context within which each student will place herself” she says. “Persist and look for an environment where the chances are better to pursue your career advancement.”

Admission to “CODE: Debugging the Gender Gap” is free, but space is limited, and advance registration is requested.

Additional information and program details can be found at the program website.