New Programme Urges Women to Take up Computer Science

Doha, February 18 (QNA) - A new Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar programme is taking steps to encourage young women to take up computer science. To this end, the university hosted CS4Qatar for Women, an outreach programme that aims to introduce young women to computer science and explore the possibilities of planning a career in the field, the university said in a media statement Saturday. Speaking about the new initiative, computer science professor Khaled Harras said, "Overall, the purpose of CS4Qatar is to change social perspectives on computing as a profession to push for it to be considered on equal footing with what are considered more traditional career routes. "Qatar aims to become a knowledge-based economy and it cannot do so without having a clear understanding of computer sciences. Carnegie Mellon is taking these measures to spread awareness about this economically vital domain." More than 90 female high-school students from schools across Qatar attended the event - consisting of a panel discussion session and two hands-on sessions: one on programming with Alice - an object-based, 3-D graphics-creating tool - and the other on puzzles and problem-solving. Speaking about her experiences in the field, panelist ICT Qatar Development Manager Reem Al Mansoori said, "Computer science is an exciting subject. Working at ictQATAR provided me with a great opportunity to contribute to Qatari society and play a significant role in taking a fast-developing nation forward. Moreover, as a practice, it presents you with a plethora of opportunities. The applications of the field are limitless. "Women play a vital role in this field. Technology has removed many cultural barriers. Opportunities that were limited in the past, have expanded through technological development." In April, the university will host a CS4Qatar workshop on opportunities for undergraduate research in computer science, paneled by female computer science students and professionals from Qatar. (QNA)