gisw13_chapters

and up to 23% to 25% in industrial technology engineeringor industrial construction engineering.This trend also shows in the data provided by theUPC Women’s Programme. In a period of six yearsthe number of women studying technology has experiencedan occasional surge, but generally it hasremained stable or fallen. In the case of computerstudies there is a downward trend. 3Action stepsIt is clear that the current situation is not thatgood, after so many years of programmes, effortsand initiatives to increase the number of womenstudying technology. This is not just a lack of success,but a conclusive failure, and should serve asa catalyst for research into the reasons why womenare not interested in technology, and to look forpossible approaches and solutions more effectivethan those carried out so far. Some women ICTprofessionals believe that this problem has to befaced from its earliest origins and that there is aneed to commit to improving science education,which has now been pushed down the curriculaof primary and secondary education. Specifically,computing and technology are not only relegatedto a secondary role but are usually in the handsof non-professionals in the field, with all that thatentails. It is important to show girls in high schoolthe possible career paths for professionals in thisfield, and what it means for social improvement.Teachers in primary and secondary educationshould have the tools and the right environmentto guide their students according to the differentgender needs. It is also important to strengthenthe role of society in women’s access to technology.Female roles should be given more visibility,and there should be a push towards equality andbalance in terms of the presence of women technologistsin our society. We need visible examplesthat help women take on the challenge of participatingin a field that is increasingly important in allaspects of our lives. ■3 Data provided by the Women’s Programme at UPC, correspondingto the percentage of women students at UPC centres. The dataon computer studies corresponds to the Barcelona School ofInformatics for academic courses from 1996-1997 to 2001-2002.213 / Global Information Society Watch