Women in Information Technology: Challenges and Opportunities in 18 Years of History

Abstract

This article presents the celebration of the 18th anniversary of the Women in Information Technology (WIT), an event organized by Programa Meninas Digitais (PMD) of SBC. It is a pioneering initiative in Brazil created to promote gender diversity in the digital desert of Computing. Since its inception, WIT has served as a space to discuss, share, and encourage the inclusion of women in IT. Over the years, the event has grown in relevance, establishing itself as an oasis that challenges the homogeneity of the landscape, building a space for the exchange of experiences, research presentations, debates, and technical capacity-building activities, all aimed at inspiring and empowering future generations. Celebrating the event’s coming of age highlights its successful and challenging trajectory and reaffirms the ongoing need to foster opportunities for equity.