Who is Ada Lovelace

Today (15th October) is Ada Lovelace Day, but most would not have heard of it. This is partly because Ada Lovelace Day (ALD) began only 4 years ago, although the lady after which the day is dedicated to died over 161 years ago. So what is special about ALD and who is Ada Lovelace?

Ada Lovelace, was a student of Mathematics and Science who worked with Charles Babbage on the Analytical Engine. She translated much of Babbage’s work and but it was her commentary on the work that won her appraise. Because of this she is known to have commented and even created a program before computers were even invented. Her program was never tested but she has earned the title by many as the world’s first computer programmer.

Ada Lovelace Day is there simply to “…raise the profile of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).”

Although I personally disagree with Ada Lovelaces interest with Phrenology, her interest with Analytical and Mechanical thinking is where credit must be due especially in an era where women were confined to the role of homemakers. What she achieved over 161 years ago many women cannot even dream of today.

Did you know:
245 girls took A-level commuting this year.
6.5% of those sitting computing exams were female.
17% of Britain’s IT workforce is female.
By 2043 it is estimated that less than 1% of the technology sector will be made up of women.
6 out of 10 women working in the technology believe starting a career in the sector is less attractive to women than men.
source: metro.co.uk

The world has a long way to go in bridging the digital divide between women and technology.