Systers facts for kids
Systers is an online community for women who work in computer science and technology. It was started by Anita Borg in 1987. Systers helps women connect, share ideas, and support each other. It is one of the oldest and largest email groups for women in computing around the world.
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How Systers Started
Systers began in 1987. Anita Borg created it after talking with other women at a computer conference. She gathered the email addresses of 20 women there and started the group. Anita Borg was the first person to manage Systers. People called her "her Systers' keeper."
This group was the first worldwide community for women in computer science. It grew quickly as more women heard about it. By the mid-1990s, there were about 2,000 members.
In 1993, some people said the group was unfair because it was only for women. But Anita Borg explained that many women in computing felt alone at work. Systers gave them a place to connect and share without being "drowned out by the voices of men."
As the group grew, Anita Borg created a system called MECCA. This system let members choose which discussion topics they wanted to join. Later, the group moved to a website. By 2004, women from 53 different countries were part of Systers. The group also inspired other similar online communities.
By 2012, more than 3,000 women were part of the Systers' email list. Robin Jeffries was the "Systers' Keeper" from 2000 to 2012. Rosario Robinson then took over. In 2018, Zaza Soriano became the new Systers' Keeper.
Systers' 25th Birthday
In 2012, Systers celebrated its 25th anniversary. Members held meet-ups around the world. There was also a big celebration at the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing conference.
What Systers Does
Systers is an email list for women in computer science. It is one of the oldest groups of its kind. Women who use the list must 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 important to women in computing. For example, in 1992, they talked about a Barbie doll that said, "Math class is tough!" Systers helped convince Mattel to remove that phrase.
Other topics discussed include:
- How to manage childcare while working or at conferences.
- How to deal with unfair treatment online or at work.
- Answering technical questions.
Women could ask questions and get quick answers from other members. They also shared jokes about working in technology. Some other groups have started because of Systers, like "researcHers" and "system-entrepreneurs." There is also a list for women who recently earned their doctoral degrees.
The Systers list uses a special program called GNU Mailman. Systers members and people from Google Summer of Code helped change the code to fit Systers' needs.
Anita Borg Systers Pass-It-On Awards Program
The Pass-It-On Awards program helps women who are starting careers in technology. It gives them money from donations. These donations come from women who are already successful in tech fields. The award honors Anita Borg's idea of women supporting each other. Awards usually range from $500 to $1,000 USD.
Who Started Systers
Systers was founded in 1987 by Anita Borg and several other women. They all attended a computer 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
