Breaking the 20%
Before computers were machines, they were women! For a span of two centuries the term "computer" was effectively interchangeable with a woman tasked with the role of a human calculator, adept at solving intricate mathematical problems. Then World War II started and men decided to build computers. Despite their zeal to build the machines, they had no interest in programming them, so they left the job to the women. Women, under the leadership of figures like Grace Hopper, played a pivotal role in shaping the burgeoning industry. And then, in 1984, everything changed. Women exited and the men became the programmers, the software engineers, and the "rock stars" of the digital epoch. Today merely 20% of IT degrees are being awarded to women. In this podcast with the help of my wonderful guests, we delve into the chronicles of these forgotten women, the trailblazers who guided us into the digital era.
This podcast explores the amazing lives of women who pioneered the early years, and why the women left. We also talk about the women who are proving today that we can still make it, we can still lead the industry. And finally, we try to find the magic formula to break the 20% and bring back the women.
But that’s not all! Our Breakroom segment, co-hosted with Michalis, offers a fresh, irreverent take on the latest news from the tech and startup worlds. Instead of glorifying the industry, we gossip, roast tech billionaires, and critique our favorite (and not-so-favorite) tech services and products. It’s a fun, unfiltered, and informal dive into the quirks and controversies of the tech world.
Whether you’re here for the history, the inspiration, or the gossip, Breaking the 20% has something for everyone who cares about the past, present, and future of women in tech.
Breaking the 20%
A Story about Online Harassment in the Gaming Industry
This week Maria & Elena talk about Pam, a game developer whose life was turned upside down by a coordinated online harassment campaign. We start from Pam's humble beginnings, the creation of her groundbreaking game about mental health, and then talk about the intense wave of online abuse that followed false accusations from an ex-partner.
While the story in this episode is based on real events to respect the privacy and safety of those directly affected, some names, dates, and other details have been altered. The aim is not to sensationalize or retraumatize those who experienced these events but to shed light on systemic issues.
Here are some excellent online resources to help protect yourself from online harassment and provide guidance on what to do if you are targeted
- Crash Override Network (Archive): Though no longer active, their resources are still helpful for addressing harassment and securing your online presence.
- Cyber Civil Rights Initiative: Focused on combating online abuse, especially non-consensual pornography.
- Digital Safety Resources by PEN America: Offers comprehensive guides for writers and creators but applies to anyone facing online abuse.
- Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) - Security Self-Defense
- Social Media Safety: Each platform offers tools for privacy, reporting abuse, and controlling visibility:
- CyberSafety Helpline for Cyprus: 1480
more episodes at https://breaking20.eu/
