Group: Women's Caucus/Resources/Getting started

This is a synthesis of many conversations on the topic of increasing women's participation in free software. Special thanks to everyone who participated in 2009 Summit and the 2010 Caucus for your input!

== Barriers to women's participation

• The perception of the free software movement as a "boys' club"
• Shortage of female role models within the free software community
• The perception that it is not OK to make mistakes
• Non-coding roles (often filled by women) are under appreciated in many parts of the free software movement
• Women in free software often feel isolated or "other"
• Finances are more likely to be an obstacle for women than for men
• Sexist behavior online or in person
• Girls are not being exposed to free software

== Some things we recommend

• Highlight women who are already participating
• Women within projects acting as recruiters
• Mentoring programs for new contributors, debuggers, documenters, etc.
• Emphasizing cooperation over competition
• Recognition for early contributions from new folks, including non-code contributions
• Encouraging women-only mailing lists within projects
• Make space for women-only networking events
• Paid internships for women
• Diversity statements are very effective at communicating who is welcome and what kinds of behavior will be acceptable
• Programs to bring free software specifically to girls

Go back to the resources page for some of our more detailed recommendations.