Historical Context & Gender Bias in Computer Science - The field of computing was initially filled with women, but their work was often seen as clerical rather than coding [1] - Unlike other academic subjects, female participation in computer science declined after the peak of second-wave feminism in the 1970s [1] - Sexist advertisements and articles in the 1960s portrayed women in computing as primarily valued for their appearance or ability to support men [1] - The erasure of individual women's contributions in computer science was aided by referring to them as groups (e g, "the Eniac Girls") rather than by name [2] Barriers to Women's Advancement - Subtle discrimination, such as undermining comments and being relegated to menial tasks, significantly limited women's flourishing in computer science [2] - Women in computer science at MIT experienced a "fishbowl syndrome," feeling isolated and constantly scrutinized [2] - Lack of female mentors and encouragement in the 1980s contributed to women leaving the field [2] Call to Action & Future Outlook - Small changes in words, actions, and self-reflection about assumptions are crucial for creating an inclusive future [3][4] - Asking hard questions about actions in industry, academia, and social situations is essential for progress [4][5] - Recognizing women's individual contributions and autonomy is a necessary step, as progress is ongoing [6] - Allies, both female and male, are essential for creating a supportive environment [9]