Translator: Emma Dovlatyan Reviewer: Kristine Sargsyan
I never am really satisfied that I understand anything,
because I understand it well,
as I may, my comprehension can only be an infinitesimal fraction
of all I want to understand” this is the influential quote
by Ada Lovelace, the first programmer.
Ada created the first algorithm that made computer work.
Well, now it’s difficult to believe that the first programmer
was a woman, had family, kids and was even nominated
as a first programmer in the history.
Surveys reveal that women don’t choose to be programmers
considering that it takes much time and they can't combine it
with their everyday life and family care.
But let me say these reasons aren't justified.
As programming is that profession of IT sector
that doesn't even require high education.
You can learn everything on the Internet, work at home
with your slippers or pajamas, live in Armenia,
but work for a foreign country or run your own company abroad.
Narek Suqiasyan, who’s one of the best programmers I’ve met
is a web development workshop leader at TUMO center,
but he got higher education as a future doctor.
Over time he got interested in web development
and could become web developer
and workshop leader, so now he teaches us.
At the age of six-seven I also had some dreams about
future professions as all my peers have:
I dreamt to become a guitar player and sing with Paul McCartney.
But when I graduated from the secondary school and had to make
a decision for my profession, I refused to take a risk,
as I knew many people with musical education, but with no job,
so Ichose programming which was already nteresting for me.
My parents, friends, relatives and even neighbors said
that it’s not a suitable profession for a girl
and even if I got education I wouldn’t have a job.
But I could see what’s happening in that sphere and understood
that it’s nearly impossible to be a programmer and be unemployed.
And after all I was the one who should study and work
so I was the one to make a decision.
Now I study programming, and I never regretted for that decision.
Recently I was attending another workshop:
Programming mind and body by Ruben Meschyan
and I discovered the connection
between programming and art, programming and sport,
programming and music.
And I realized that all those light shows
that are so attractive on the screen are just great works of IT workers.
Today almost all the developed and developing countries fight
against inequality in this sphere.
For example there is this Pyladies company in US,
they recruit women who are interested in programming
and teach them Python programming language
which is quite difficult).
At the same time they develop their knowledge and skills.
After examining this ladies’ stories I came to the conclusion
that each of them wants to become more self-confident
and independent based on her strengths and knowledge.
Their slogan is «Don't be ashamed and keep learning».
How many of you have ever said that science has reached its top?
Well, there are some of them here, let me disappoint you.
We just need to understand that science can not reach its top
unless all the resources of our Earth are used,
and women are a very huge part of those resources.
Ladies, now it's high time to understand that we choose
our professions and not our parents
and no matter how much we love them.
And it's also high time to understand that seeing many men
in a workplace we shouldn't say that we are going to be
less important and leave the placement.
And after all, no matter if you're male or female
if you're interested in programming.
Why not to learn programming
especially if it's the best paid profession
with the biggest demand for the past ten years
according to Forbes.
I think we need to remember the richest person on our planet
Bill Gates, who is also from IT sector, the founder of Microsoft.
His wealth is seventy-six billion dollars.
To tell truth I was shocked and had stress for three days
after reading this number.
Well, ladies are you going to leave this sphere to men?
Hey men! Get ready we are going to program
all that you haven’t even started to think about.