Suw Charman-Anderson, the founder of Ada Lovelace Day, a global celebration of women in Stem fields, has issued a warning that the annual event may have to come to an end due to financial struggles. The initiative, which aims to highlight and support women in science, technology, engineering, and maths, is facing a funding crisis as corporations cut back on diversity initiatives.
Charman-Anderson, who created Ada Lovelace Day in 2009, has been struggling to secure sponsorship for the event, despite its high attendance figures. She emphasizes the importance of financial support for organizations like hers, stating that “Organizations can’t run on inspiration alone.”
The challenges faced by Ada Lovelace Day are not unique, as other women in Stem support groups have also been forced to shut down due to funding issues. The closure of organizations like Women Who Code and Girls in Tech in the US, as well as the Tech Talent Charter in the UK, highlight the broader trend of dwindling resources for diversity initiatives in the tech sector.
The lack of funding for women in Stem programs is a significant concern, as it hinders efforts to encourage more women to pursue careers in these fields. Caitlin Gould, who runs TecWomenCIC in Cornwall, describes the constant struggle to secure funding as a “patchwork quilt” of financial support.
Despite the challenges, advocates like Maggie Philbin, who is involved in the TeenTech program, continue to work towards promoting Stem activities in schools. Philbin emphasizes the importance of consistent funding for such initiatives, noting that some funders only provide support for short periods of time.
The financial struggles faced by women in Stem support groups raise important questions about the commitment to diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. As the debate continues, it is clear that more support is needed to ensure that initiatives like Ada Lovelace Day can continue to inspire and empower women in Stem fields.
