Celebrating Women in Science and Technology, Engineering and Maths
Tuesday 11 October 2016 hailed the eighth annual Ada Lovelace Day. This day is an international celebration of the women who have made an impact on the world of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). Although it is still a relatively unknown celebration around the world, Ada Lovelace Day is an important one and worth learning about.
Who was Ada Lovelace?
Born in the UK in 1815, Countess Augusta Ada Byron Lovelace was a mathematician, computer programmer and a writer. Lovelace was also the first programmer to write a program that was able to calculate Bernoulli Numbers on the Analytical Engine created by Charles Babbage. Despite Babbage also contributing to the program, it was Lovelace who completed an elaborate and intricate set of code and had it published. The intrepid female tech expert was also known as a visionary, and as the person who foresaw computers playing a role in creating art and music in the future.
Celebrations
Every year the Ada Lovelace Day serves as a tribute to Lovelace and all the other women in the STEM industries throughout history who have prevailed and made valuable contributions to society, despite prevalent gender bias. The celebrations bring thousands of people together at several events including the Ada Lovelace Day Live!, which is a ‘science cabaret’ event held in London. At the event women in the science, technology, engineering and maths fields speak about their work and about other women who have inspired them to achieve their success. Talks are interspersed with comedy or musical performances with a focus on STEM. There are also grassroots events across the globe that include conferences, pub quizzes and Wikipedia ‘edit-a-thons’ – there is something for women of all ages from all walks of life.
What is the aim of Ada Lovelace Day?
The annual day was launched with the aim of raising the profile of women in STEM so that they may become role models to other women. With influential and formidable women to look up to, young females are encouraged to enter into STEM careers, and women already in the field are given invaluable support. Ada Lovelace Day shines a light on the incredible achievements of women who are not usually given the credit they deserve.
