{"id":2616,"date":"2025-04-11T09:22:01","date_gmt":"2025-04-11T09:22:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.kcl.ac.uk\/nms\/?p=2616"},"modified":"2025-04-11T09:22:01","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T09:22:01","slug":"empowering-women-computer-science-kings-haleema-mohammed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.kcl.ac.uk\/nms\/2025\/04\/11\/empowering-women-computer-science-kings-haleema-mohammed\/","title":{"rendered":"Empowering Women in Computer Science at King\u2019s"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Haleema Mohammed, 2nd Year Computer Science with a year in industry BSc<\/em><\/p>\n

Studying Computer Science at King\u2019s, I\u2019ve never felt my opportunities are limited, and I believe that can be credited to the fact that I\u2019m surrounded by so many women following the same goals as me and succeeding. I\u2019m given equal opportunity to pursue my interests, and I feel respected by my peers.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, this is still a heavily male-dominated field. Many students hold inherent biases and limited perspectives on what it means to be a computer scientist. While there is a steady increase in women pursuing roles in technology, many are still deterred.<\/p>\n

Additionally, due to the sheer size of our cohorts, there often isn\u2019t enough opportunity for students to come together outside of class. Forming genuine connections and building a network of like-minded people is important for anyone, but especially those who feel out of place or undervalued.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s where WiCS comes in<\/h3>\n

I\u2019m coming to the end of a year as Co-Vice President of the Women in Computer Science society, and it\u2019s been such a valuable experience. WiCS is a society aimed at providing a space for and uplifting gender minorities in Computer Science. We host panel events, workshops, application advice, and hackathons, as well as more laidback events like study sessions and socials. Ultimately, WiCS aims to make the barrier to pursuing Computer Science less daunting (or break that barrier altogether).<\/p>\n

It\u2019s WiCS\u2019 fourth year as a society and, in my opinion, it has been its best year. We\u2019ve grown our active membership significantly, hosted some great events, and made industry connections that will set up next year\u2019s committee to do even better things. Here are some personal highlights!<\/p>\n

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Breaking the Code<\/h3>\n

One thing I often feel I\u2019m missing out on is advice from people who have been in the same situation. I believe many students feel the same. That\u2019s what WiCS\u2019 annual panel event, Breaking the Code, counteracts. We invite talented women from academia and industry to share their experiences and offer advice in a laid-back atmosphere. I had the privilege of hosting the industry panel and I ended up gaining far more from the event than expected. Hearing the stories and seeing the successes of people like you is a wonderful way to find motivation you might be struggling to find.<\/p>\n

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Hackathon<\/h3>\n

HackSprint \u201925 was arguably WiCS\u2019 biggest event so far \u2013 an inter-uni hackathon in collaboration with UAL Computer Science and NUL Computing. On WiCS\u2019 behalf, I was the primary coordinator of the event, and I think it\u2019s one of my proudest achievements. Despite many bumps in the road, the event was a success with a great turnout. It\u2019s always impressive to see so many cool projects implemented in such a short amount of time \u2013 shoutout to our winners, \u2018Block Designer\u2019!<\/p>\n

And yes, men attend our events too \u2013 we\u2019re open to everyone.<\/p>\n

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Socials<\/h3>\n

The reason I joined WiCS in the first place was it was a society where I felt comfortable and genuinely clicked with the people I met. Social events are a big part of that. We encourage our membership to get to know each other as people, beyond academics. Our ice-skating social is definitely a fan favourite!<\/p>\n

Okay, what\u2019s your point?<\/h3>\n

I\u2019m not just here to convince you to join WiCS \u2013 although, if you\u2019re interested, you should! I\u2019m here to emphasise the importance of providing students with spaces where they can feel understood, supported, and celebrated. Students know that better than anyone, and that\u2019s why I\u2019d highly recommend putting yourself out there and looking into societies that feel like they fit you if it\u2019s not something you\u2019ve done before.<\/p>\n

For any women who are considering studying Computer Science at university but have heard stories about the lack of diversity, know that there\u2019s a space here for you at King\u2019s. There have been so many revolutionary women in technology \u2013 you could be the next!<\/p>\n

Can Anyone Study Computer Science?<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n