Bridging Gender Gaps, Networking in Computer Science

Abstract

Characterized by the scarce presence of women, the Computer Science sector is based on a gendered organizational culture that risks reproducing inequality because of hegemonic masculinity and a genderblind perspective. Mentoring and telementoring are intended to assist women in career development, establishing a (“real” or virtual) space where professional women as mentors and young women as protégées share knowledge and exchange experiences. The mentor may provide advice, support, protection, promotion, and sponsorship, thereby increasing an individual’s capacity by developing her social capital. The construction of a network like this may be useful to support young women’s careers and foster more gender-friendly organizational cultures, especially in scientific and technological sectors. Specific resources should be allocated to mentoring programs to better address issues of underrepresentation of women in science and technology. Such initiatives can be an important factor in bridging gaps and overcoming barriers to advancement faced by women.

Key Words:

• Computer science
• gender
• mentoring
• organizational culture
• technology
• telementoring