Promoting Gender Equity in Computing: Results of an Initiative for High School Girls

  • Luciana Mara Freitas Diniz PUC Minas
  • Amália Soares Vieira de Vasconcelos PUC Minas
  • Fernanda Soares Oliveira Cunha PUC Minas
  • Laura Caetano Costa PUC Minas
  • Marcella Santos Belchior PUC Minas

Abstract


The underrepresentation of women in Computer Science remains a global challenge. This paper presents an extension project initiative for high school girls through interactive workshops on basic technology concepts. The study assessed the workshops’ impact on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) perceptions using quantitative and qualitative surveys. Results indicate high acceptance, with a Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 89.3% and positive Likert scale ratings, where 93% found explanations clear. Affirmative actions are essential to increasing female participation in technology, contributing to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly gender equality and quality education.

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Published
2025-07-20
DINIZ, Luciana Mara Freitas; VASCONCELOS, Amália Soares Vieira de; CUNHA, Fernanda Soares Oliveira; COSTA, Laura Caetano; BELCHIOR, Marcella Santos. Promoting Gender Equity in Computing: Results of an Initiative for High School Girls. In: WOMEN IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (WIT), 19. , 2025, Maceió/AL. Anais [...]. Porto Alegre: Sociedade Brasileira de Computação, 2025 . p. 532-542. ISSN 2763-8626. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5753/wit.2025.8209.