For over ten years, Girls Who Code has been dedicated to equipping young women for careers in technology and promoting gender balance in computer science. With artificial intelligence rapidly transforming the landscape, the organization faces the challenge of addressing students’ apprehensions about AI and the evolving nature of coding itself.
Many graduates express reluctance towards AI due to fears of job automation, ethical concerns, and the sector’s environmental impact. Women, in particular, tend to be more cautious, driven by worries about AI’s accuracy, energy use, and the consolidation of power among tech billionaires. Tarika Barrett, outgoing CEO of Girls Who Code, emphasizes that this skepticism is valuable and should guide how young people engage with AI. She highlights the importance of who builds the technology, advocating for young women to be leaders in this transformation.
Girls Who Code promotes flexible coding education that includes “vibe coding”—a reflection of emerging programming trends—while reinforcing fundamental computational thinking and ethical technology use. Barrett also discusses the AI gender usage gap and the barriers women face around unclear workplace policies and limited support for skill development. She stresses the critical role of mentorship and community in sustaining women’s participation in tech.
Barrett cautions against tech companies’ rapid AI development overshadowing inclusion efforts, warning that a lack of thoughtful engagement could deter a whole generation from tech careers and lead to missed opportunities for innovative technology shaped by diverse voices.
Her advice to young women concerned about AI’s ethical and practical challenges is to embrace their caution as a strength. This careful approach can lead to more thoughtful and responsible use. Mentorship and exposure to positive AI applications are key to preventing disengagement and ensuring that women remain active contributors to AI’s future.
