Systers facts for kids
Systers is an online group for women who work in computer science and technology. It was started by Anita Borg in 1987. Systers helps women in tech connect, share ideas, and support each other. It's one of the oldest and largest online communities for women in this field.
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How Systers Started
Systers began in 1987. Anita Borg created it after talking with other women at a big computer science meeting in Texas. She collected email addresses from about 20 women there. Then, she started the Systers email list. Anita Borg was like the "keeper" of Systers, helping it run smoothly.
This group was the first worldwide community for women in computer science. It grew quickly by word of mouth. By the mid-1990s, it had about 2,000 members. In 1993, some people said the group was unfair to others. But Anita Borg explained that Systers helped women connect. Many women in tech did not have other women colleagues where they worked. Systers gave them a place to share and be heard.
As the group got bigger, Anita Borg created a system called MECCA. This system let members choose which topics they wanted to discuss. Later, the group moved to a website. By 2004, women from 53 different countries were part of Systers. This group also inspired other similar online communities.
Systers' Keepers
By 2012, more than 3,000 people were on the Systers email list. Robin Jeffries was the "Her Systers' Keeper" from 2000 to 2012. After her, Rosario Robinson took over. In 2018, at a big event called the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing, Zaza Soriano became the new Systers' Keeper.
25 Years of Systers
In 2012, Systers celebrated its 25th birthday! They had meet-ups around the world. There was also a special celebration at the Grace Hopper event.
What Systers Is About
Systers is an email list for women in computer science. It is one of the oldest groups for women in this field. Members are asked to talk about topics related to women and computer science. They are also expected to treat each other with respect. Members support each other. They discuss many topics about women in computing.
For example, in 1992, they talked about a Barbie doll. This doll said, "Math class is tough!" Systers helped convince Mattel, the company that makes Barbie, to remove that phrase. Other topics discussed include how to manage childcare while working or at conferences. They also talk about dealing with uncomfortable situations at work or online. Members ask technical questions and get quick answers from others. They even share jokes about working in tech.
Some other online groups have started from Systers. These include "researcHers" and "system-entrepreneurs." There is also a group for women who recently earned their doctoral degrees.
The Systers email list uses a special program called GNU Mailman. Systers members and students from a program called Google Summer of Code helped make the code work best for Systers.
Helping Others: Pass-It-On Awards
The Anita Borg Systers Pass-It-On Awards program helps women who are starting careers in technology. Women who are already successful in tech donate money to this program. The awards range from $500 to $1,000 USD. This program honors Anita Borg's idea of women supporting each other in a strong network.
Founding Members
Systers was started in 1987 by Anita Borg and several other women. They met at a conference called the Symposium on Operating Systems Principles (SOSP).
- Anita Borg
- Stella Atkins
- Miche Baker-Harvey
- Carla Ellis
- Joan Francioni
- Susan Gerhart
- Anita K. Jones
- Rivka Ladin
- Barbara Liskov
- Sherri Menees Nichols
- Susan Owicki
- Liuba Shrira
- Karen Sollins
See also
