The AIMS South Africa Public Lecture Series presents a talk titled:

‘Shaping society as women in technology’

By Dr. Bonolo Mathibela, Research Scientist, IBM Research South Africa Lab

Abstract: Technology permeates almost every aspect of society today, but those who imagine and build technology often do not mirror the people who use it. Whilst the number of women pursuing technology related careers is increasing, those pursuing computing related careers is declining. This talk will begin by highlighting the importance of gender diversity in technology and the significant contributions women have made in the past fifty years. Reference will be made to my personal journey as a woman pursuing a career in computing, including an overview of my most recent work in developing algorithms for intelligent transportation systems. Finally, there will be a discussion of the challenges women face in pursing computing and technology related careers; and which policies and programs make the most significant difference in improving gender diversity in the workplace.