Beyond Classroom: Making a Difference in Diversity in Tech

TL;DR

This paper discusses the importance of increasing diversity in tech, highlighting a successful project in Czechia that engaged volunteers to support women pursuing software engineering careers.

Contribution

It presents Czechitas, a successful initiative that significantly improved diversity in tech by mobilizing volunteers to support women in software engineering.

Findings

Over 50,000 women supported in software education

1,000+ volunteers involved in the project

Major social change achieved in Czechia

Abstract

With all the opportunities and risks that technology holds in connection to our safe and sustainable future, it is becoming increasingly important to involve a larger portion of our society in becoming active co-creators of our digitalized future -- moving from the passenger seat to the driver seat. Yet, despite extensive efforts around the world, little progress has been made in growing the representation of certain communities and groups in software engineering. This chapter shares one successful project, called Czechitas, triggering a major social change in Czechia, involving 1 000+ volunteers to support 50 000+ women on their way towards software engineering education and career.