Germany

Did you know that the first computer programmer was a woman?

Ada Lovelace (1815-1852) showed talent for mathematics from an early age and went on to become one of only a handful of pioneering women scientists. Her ‘notes’ – algorithms written for Charles Babbage’s early calculating machine in 1840 – are widely referred to as the first ever ‘computer programmes’.

Though things have obviously improved since the days of Victorian England, there is still a significant gender imbalance in the study of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (‘STEM’, or ‘MINT’ in German) subjects at school and, consequently, under-representation of women in scientific careers.

In conjunction with Ostfalia University and with support from Soroptimist Club Uelzen, the ‘MINT Camp’ runs exciting courses introducing young girls to subjects such as robotics, GPS, structural engineering and hydrology designed to spark their curiosity about science. In today’s fast-moving, technology-driven world this can open the door to well-paid, stable employment in a scientific profession or simply develop flexible, logical minds, ready for a lifetime of learning.

MINT Camp for Girls Facebook (German)