The article “Female participation in Python development communities: A systematic literature review” by Alharbi and Kurniawan (2021) explores the underrepresentation of women in Python development communities. The authors conducted a systematic literature review to identify studies, articles, and reports related to this topic.
The review included 16 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The studies were published between 2013 and 2020 and focused on different aspects of female participation in Python development communities, such as gender diversity, barriers to entry, motivation, and strategies for increasing participation.
The authors found that women are significantly underrepresented in Python development communities, with only a small proportion of contributors being female. The studies identified various reasons for this underrepresentation, including gender stereotypes, lack of confidence, unconscious bias, and limited access to opportunities for learning and networking.
One of the key findings of the review is that women who do participate in Python development communities are motivated by their passion for programming, desire for knowledge and growth, and the opportunity to make a difference. However, they also face various challenges, such as harassment, lack of respect, and negative attitudes from male peers and community members.
The review also identified several strategies for increasing female participation in Python development communities, including creating safe spaces for women to learn and collaborate, providing mentors and role models, offering training and networking opportunities, and promoting gender diversity and inclusivity in the community.
Overall, the review highlights the need for more research and action to address the underrepresentation of women in Python development communities. The authors suggest that promoting gender diversity and creating inclusive environments is not only important for ethical and moral reasons, but also for improving innovation and creativity in the field.
In conclusion, the systematic literature review by Alharbi and Kurniawan provides valuable insights into the current state of female participation in Python development communities, the challenges faced by women in these communities, and potential strategies for increasing gender diversity and inclusivity. The review calls for further action to create more equitable and supportive environments for women in tech.