During the early stages of computer development, women played an integral role, making contributions from funding, to designing and programming the machines. So, why then do we know so little about the roles they played, and why are they still not given credit for their work developing some of the earliest computers and programs?

 

"Programming requires lots of patience, persistence and a capacity detail and those are traits that many girls have." - I.J. Seligsohn

 

     During World War II, the early programmers were almost all women. In those days, they were called either "calculators" or "computers." Women were often stereotyped as being good candidates for programming. When early women programmers were asked how they were treated, most responded that they received the same treatment and respect as the men. They felt that it was not until later years that the field of computer science became less than ideal in its treatment of women.

 

"At that time, working women were expected to be nurses or schoolteachers. Thus, to be given the chance to work in a technical field was a great opportunity. However, upon closer inspection, almost all the leaders and managers were men." - Judy Clapp

 

     The cause of this transformation is perceived as the absorption of the male hierarchy business structure as the size of companies involved in hardware and software products grew larger. These egalitarian beginnings may seem strange, and indeed, closer inspection suggests that there is more to the story. With regard to the ENIAC, Kathleen McNulty, one of ENIAC's first programmers, states, "The girls were told that only men could get professional ratings. The time came later in World War II when no more men were available, and women were pushed into supervisory positions.