Temporal Correlation between Women studying Computing & Human Development Index (30 years of data)

This research full paper explores the correlation between a country’s Human Development Index (HDI) and the same country’s ratio of women studying computing, over time. The global underrepresentation of women in computing education remains one of the most persistent challenges of STEM. Our dataset consists of the ratios of women students enrolled in higher computing education from N=35 countries, with data points spanning approximately three decades (1990– 2020), totalling 513 data points. We use multiple linear regression for statistical modelling. We find a strong negative correlation between the proportion of women students in higher computing education and the HDI, globally, over time. We observe the same trend at the national level across the world. These findings extend the results from previous research on the gender equality paradox in ICT from a ’snapshot’ in time to a temporal development, both globally as well as nationally. The results do not diminish the complexity of the issue, nor do they discard that initiatives to support and encourage women, as well as a more diverse body of students, have an effect. Instead, our results highlight the urgent need for further initiatives by educators, policymakers, and researchers.