Reshma Saujani

Girls Who Code is on a mission to close the gender gap in technology and to change the image of what a programmer looks like and does.

You founded Girls Who Code organization. Do young women still need to be encouraged and supported in the tech world?

YES! Today, according to the latest data, women make up just 26% of the coding workforce. These are the highest-paying, fastest growing jobs in the global economy. They can lift entire families up into the middle class. We need our girls to have access to them. And, beyond that, we need our girls to be building the tech of the future. In many ways, a lack of diversity in tech puts people’s lives at risk. There’s so much tech that hasn’t been developed because women aren’t represented in the industry. Where are the features in ride-share apps or dating apps that make it easy to report harassment and assault? Where are apps that show you where to find the closest daycare or how to find a job with flexible work hours and generous paid family leave?

So many women have had to leave their jobs and help their children do schoolwork remotely. You are one of a growing number of women calling for a Marshall Plan. What is that? And is it getting any traction in Washington DC?

We need to take action now, bold action now to get women back in the workforce. I am calling for a 360 plan, a Marshall Plan for Moms, to get women back to work. The Marshall Plan for Moms calls for basic income payment to women that's means tested, to pass legislation like paid leave, affordable day care, and pay equity, and to reopen schools. We’ve been in communication with the Biden administration and they agree that we need to do more to support mothers. The administration supports policies like paid family leave, pay equity, and affordable childcare. It will be on Congress to provide relief for families.

For more information about Reshma’s organization, visit Girls Who Code.