Women in computing A case study about Kuwait

Abstract

Female under-representation in the field of computing has been a global concern. A ccording to recent research studies in the US, females are less likely than males to consider a career or a degree in computer-related fields. Opposite trends have been appearing in other parts of the world showing a high female turnout in computer studies. One of those countries is Kuwait, a small country situated in the Persian Gulf. According the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, the percentage of female graduates in tertiary education in Kuwait has reached 69% in 2009 (80% in science related disciplines). Female undergraduate enrollment in computing studies in Kuwait is in the range of 40 to 50 percent, which is considerably high compared to other parts of the world. In this paper, we present a case study about women in computing in Kuwait, through which we highlight their motivations for studying computer science and information systems. A survey was conducted among male and female university students in Kuwait about attitudes and perceptions on females in computing and reasons for joining computer studies. The results were analyzed and compared to similar studies in the US.

Using Social Cognitive Career Theory to Understand Why Students Choose to Study Computer Science

“…On the other hand, Heinze and Hu [30] argue that support from family and friends is not a powerful influence on the choice of students to pursue careers in IT. Social support and role models were not considered top factors for CS students in studies in Kuwait [21], Armenia [24] or Serbia [42].…”

“…Advisers should be aware of negative expectations, because some of these expectations are often misguided, or illogical, and may influence students' choices [54]. In Kuwait, El-Bahey and Zeid [21] found that the most important factor influencing a decision to study CS to be career and future considerations. A Google investigation [25] into factors that influence young women to pursue degrees in CS found that the "…perception of Computer Science as a career with diverse applications and a broad potential for positive societal impact" was a top factor.…”

Macro Ergonomic Analysis and Design for Optimizing the Work Environment : A Literature Review

“…MEAD is a method such as of several stages used to enhance work systems [17]. This method is related to designing, analyzing, and evaluating work systems in organizations so that they become effective and efficient [18] 1.…”

“…Service Industry Heidarimoghadam, et al [2], Carayon [4], Carayon, et al [12], El-Bahey & Zeib [17], Suzianti, et al [18], Okta, et al [23], Debastiani, et al [25] Manufacture Realyvásquez, et al [5], Taghipour, et al [6], Pradini, et al [19], Kurniawan, et al [21], Sari,et al [22], Azadeh, et al [24] Office Environment…”

“…Article Publication Person Heidarimoghadam, et al [2], Realyvásquez, et al [5], Taghipour, et al [6], Carayon, et al [12], Bahey & Zeib [17], Suzianti, et al [18], Kurniawan et al [21], Sari,et al [22], Okta, et al [23], Azadeh, et al [24], Debastiani, et al [25]…”