Article by Ayman Alheraki on January 11 2026 10:36 AM
In today's world of technology, where programming is considered one of the most in-demand and respected professions, it may seem surprising to learn that women were the early pioneers in this field. Even more astonishing is the fact that the first computer programmer in history was a woman, and that programming was once considered a "female" profession par excellence. But how did programming transition from being a female-dominated field to one dominated by men? And how are women today reclaiming their place in the world of technology?
In the mid-19th century, long before computers took their modern form, Ada Lovelace laid the foundation for programming. Ada, a gifted mathematician, collaborated with Charles Babbage on his Analytical Engine, a mechanical device considered the precursor to the modern computer. Ada realized that this machine could do more than just perform calculations; it could execute complex tasks if programmed correctly. She wrote the first algorithm intended to be carried out by a machine, earning her the title of the world's first computer programmer.
With the emergence of the first giant computers in the 1940s, such as the ENIAC, women were the ones behind their programming. At the time, programming was seen as "administrative" or "clerical" work, similar to the manual tasks women typically performed in offices. Programming was not viewed as a high-level technical profession but rather as a process of inputting instructions into a machine.
In the ENIAC project, a group of women, including Kay McNulty, Betty Snyder, Marlyn Wescoff, and Ruth Teitelbaum, were responsible for programming the computer to perform complex calculations. These women were not just "machine operators"; they were skilled mathematicians and programmers, though their contributions were not adequately recognized at the time.
As computer technology evolved and its importance grew, programming began to be seen as a high-value technical field. With shifting social stereotypes, men began to flock to the profession, while women's participation declined. Programming was rebranded as a "prestigious" career requiring advanced technical skills, leading to the gradual marginalization of women.
Programming became associated with engineering and science, fields that were already male-dominated. Additionally, tech companies began hiring more men, further reducing opportunities for women. Thus, programming transformed from a "female" profession to one dominated by men.
Today, programming is witnessing a strong resurgence of women, with significant efforts being made to promote their participation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Women are challenging old stereotypes and emerging as leaders in the tech industry. From Grace Hopper, who contributed to the development of COBOL, to Sheryl Sandberg, who played a key role in shaping the modern tech industry, women are proving their ability to lead in this field.
Moreover, numerous initiatives aim to encourage girls to study programming and science, such as the campaigns "Girls Who Code" and "Women in Tech." These efforts are helping to break down the cultural and social barriers that once hindered women's participation.
The story of women in programming is an inspiring tale of pioneering, marginalization, and a strong comeback. It began with Ada Lovelace, who laid the foundations of programming, continued through a phase where women were the first programmers, then experienced a decline due to social stereotypes, and is now seeing women return to the field with strength.
Today, women are proving that they are just as capable as men of leading in programming and technology. Programming is not just a technical skill; it is a language of creativity and innovation, and women are an integral part of this exciting world.