Overcoming Obstacles: Challenges of Gender Inequality in Undergraduate ICT Programs
Context: Gender inequality is a widely discussed issue across various sectors, including Information Technology and Communication (ICT). In Brazil, women represent less than 18% of ICT students in higher education. Prior studies highlight gender-related barriers that discourage women from staying in ICT. However, they provide limited insights into their perceptions as undergraduate students and the factors influencing their participation and confidence. Goal: This study explores the perceptions of women undergraduate students in ICT regarding gender inequality. Method: A survey of 402 women from 18 Brazilian states enrolled in ICT courses was conducted using a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses. Results: Women students reported experiencing discriminatory practices from peers and professors, both inside and outside the classroom. Gender stereotypes were found to undermine their self-confidence and self-esteem, occasionally leading to course discontinuation. Conclusions: Factors such as lack of representation, inappropriate jokes, isolation, mistrust, and difficulty being heard contribute to harmful outcomes, including reduced participation and reluctance to take leadership roles. Addressing these issues is essential to creating a safe and respectful learning environment for all students.
Tue 29 AprDisplayed time zone: Eastern Time (US & Canada) change
09:00 - 10:30 | |||
09:00 10mDay opening | Welcome GE@ICSE | ||
09:10 25mResearch paper | Overcoming Obstacles: Challenges of Gender Inequality in Undergraduate ICT Programs GE@ICSE Angelica Pereira State University of Bahia, Anderson Uchôa Federal University of Ceará, Edna Dias Canedo Computer Science Department - University of Brasília, Juliana Alves Pereira PUC-Rio, Claudia Pinto Pereira State University of Feira de Santana, Larissa Rocha University of the State of Bahia (UNEB) | ||
09:35 25mResearch paper | “Robot Olympiad Inspires us Technically and also boosts our Confidence”: Understanding the Elements of Success for Women in Robotics in Bangladesh GE@ICSE Nasheetat Zainah Rahman Mastermind English Medium School, Ipshita Ahmed Moon University of Dhaka, Nova Ahmed Bangladesh | ||
10:00 25mResearch paper | Detecting Gender Bias to Enhance Inclusivity in Software Engineering Education GE@ICSE |