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We need more women to learn coding and become active builders in the online space, not just consumers of interesting material.
The world is shifting. The more we get virtual the greater the need to be computer savvy. While a few years ago knowing how to operate a computer was more than enough, today we need advanced knowledge in the same. But here is the clincher, while women are consuming a massive amount of internet time, we aren’t contributing nearly enough to creating the online space. Women dominated spheres are few and far apart. There are many reasons for the same.
But here is the clincher, while women are consuming a massive amount of internet time, we aren’t contributing nearly enough to creating the online space. Women dominated spheres are few and far apart. There are many reasons for the same.
One is that women and girls often shy away from coding because it is assumed to be a male-dominated sphere. In India too, to get into a computer science stream (where they usually teach coding) requires a heavy and strong math background which is a deterrent for many young girls. That, in turn, translates into a web space which is again male-dominated and hence catering only to men’s growth and potential.
Why we should encourage young girls to code is simple – it’s the future. The world is increasingly moving online. From handmade jewelry to custom-made furniture, to online psychologists, every kind of venture needs some amount of coding and data analysis.
How we can help is a little more difficult because many times women assume that they cannot do it because they aren’t good enough or maybe because haven’t been exposed to that field. But a little encouragement and lots of patience can help. By learning to code, we participate in building the future, rather than being just passive spectators.
The best way to start is by introducing women of all ages to free online sources. edX and YouTube have some amazing courses that are self-paced and have bite-sized information that break down the material for all kinds of learners. For platforms like edX you simply make an account and pick your free courses. Learning online has many advantages especially if it is someone’s first attempt at something new. It takes away a lot of the performance pressure that women may feel. It enables women to learn freely and they can do it in their free time.
Once someone is comfortable with the online material, they can move onto paid classes or college classes. Every field has a learning curve. Online classes will help give women the confidence they require to excel in paid and college courses.
Coding and eventually analyzing data will help entrepreneurs, authors, philanthropists, and basically, anyone who owns any kind of online space thrive better. If it wasn’t for coding, Women’s Web wouldn’t exist! Coding will soon become a language as fundamental as English. No matter which field you work in or which field you plan to work in, if you use any online platforms, coding can only benefit you.
Coding will soon become a language as fundamental as English. No matter which field you work in or which field you plan to work in, if you use any online platforms, coding can only benefit you.
Top image via Unsplash
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