Spotlight: ACM-W Gothenburg Professional Chapter
Where Ethical Computing Meets Inclusive Community
By Asegul “Ace” Hulus
We’re thrilled to welcome you back to the global ACM-W Chapter Tour! Today’s journey takes us to Gothenburg, Sweden, to connect with the ACM-W Gothenburg Professional Chapter. This chapter is dedicated to the dual principles of ethical technology and gender equity, uniting researchers, students, and industry professionals in a thriving European tech hub.
A Chapter Rooted in Research and Responsibility
The ACM-W Gothenburg Chapter, with its strong academic roots and forward-thinking approach, operates on the belief that truly inclusive computing needs to elevate networking with honest discussions about ethical tech, workplace dynamics, digital accountability, harassment prevention, and the AI systems that influence participation in the field. Within this chapter, synergistic collaborations between faculty, graduate researchers, and students foster an atmosphere conducive to intellectual and professional growth.
This chapter has evolved since its origins when, as is often the case, it had an emphasis on cultivating community and establishing connections. Over time, it became a supportive platform for conversations about responsible and inclusive academic culture, linking professional development with social responsibility.
Voices of Leadership
Birgit Penzenstadler, founding Member and the previous Chair of the Chapter. She guided the chapter with a vision centered on connection and skill-building.
ACM-W is wonderful for bringing people together to socialise, network, and upskill. — Birgit Penzenstadler
Irum Inayat, Chair, brings a focus on community and support to her role, describing the chapter’s essence simply and powerfully, saying of Gothenburg:
ACM-W chapters helps connecting, supporting, and inspiring women in computing. — Irum Inayat
Sara Ljungblad, Co-Chair, rounds out the leadership team with an emphasis on the creative potential of diversity in Gothenburg:
Where diversity meets innovation: welcome to our ACM-W community! — Sara Ljungblad
The collective objectives for the year include reinforcing mentorship programs for students and emerging researchers, conducting workshops focused on dialogue concerning gender equity, harassment prevention, and inclusive professional environments, enhancing industry partnerships and collaborations, and elevating the recognition of women in the computing field.
Programs With Purpose
From its very start, the chapter has established a comprehensive and insightful program, though it faced obstacles early on. Maintaining consistent involvement in a hybrid academic setting, given its demanding schedules and competing commitments, necessitated a deliberate reconsideration. The leaders shifted from conventional lecture styles to methods centered on discussion. These events featured open discussions, talks from visiting speakers, and practical sessions for participants to exchange their own stories. As a result, there was a significant rise in both participation and energy levels.
Key activities consist of a workshop focused on role models and peer mentoring, another on responsible software engineering, a practical session on Agile Methodologies with Lego, and an ACM-W workshop exploring AI tools for addressing gender bias. In addition to a creative carving workshop, the chapter has also introduced a relaxed community gathering format, Fika and Vision 2026, reflecting its commitment to integrating individuals fully into the professional community.
Mentorship That Empowers
This chapter encourages mentorship by facilitating casual interactions among faculty, researchers, and students, hosting career discussions with industry experts, and actively involving early-career members in leading activities and projects. The impact is tangible. Early-career researchers and students have experienced increased confidence, a clearer sense of professional direction, and a feeling of sincere support in navigating gender-related challenges and academic journeys. These are results that typically arise from sustained community engagement rather than from a single workshop. As shared by one of its members:
As an interdisciplinary researcher at the intersection of software engineering and psychology, I strongly believe that technology carries the perspectives of those who build it. Through ACM-W Gothenburg, we therefore aim to reshape the culture of computing by promoting collaboration, courage and curiosity among the often invisible architects of technology. — Lekshmi Murali Rani
The chapter takes inspiration from groundbreaking figures like Radia Perlman, often called the “Mother of the Internet,” and Margaret Hamilton, the software engineering visionary behind the Apollo missions. Their achievements in computing remind us that the field has consistently been influenced by individuals who have been historically marginalized.
Values in Action
Inclusivity, psychological safety, and transparency underpin the chapter’s activities and decision-making. Events are designed to be accessible by offering a range of formats, including hybrid participation where possible. The chapter aims to create an environment in which members feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and contributing. These principles also inform how responsibilities are allocated, events are organised, and decisions are made.
Looking Ahead
The chapter is organising a programme of events covering psychological safety in the workplace, career development, academic leadership, and mentoring for students and early-career researchers. Activities will also include panel discussions on the experiences of women in academia and industry. Alongside these events, the chapter aims to grow its membership, increase student engagement, and establish sustainable mentoring opportunities. It also seeks to strengthen links with other ACM-W chapters across Europe, university equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and industry partners with an interest in responsible technology development.
Members can contribute in a variety of ways, including taking on leadership roles, proposing and organising events, participating in discussions, or serving as mentors. These opportunities are intended to encourage active participation and help shape the chapter’s future activities.
Final Thoughts
The ACM-W Gothenburg Chapter serves as a model for the positive impact of a community that values inclusion and ethics. It represents a unique space, as summarised below in the infographic, where professional growth and critical analysis converge, shaping the next cohort of computing experts to achieve technological success whilst elevating the industry to better serve them.
Connect with the ACM-W Gothenburg Professional Chapter
Join the chapter: via their membership form or their LinkedIn page.
- ACM-W Gothenburg Chapter Membership Registration: https://tinyurl.com/y7zs3pkk
- LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/acm-women-chapter-gothenburg-3a8416359
Connect with ACM-W chapters and the series editor, Asegul “Ace” Hulus:
- Email: acmw-chapters@acm.org
Looking forward to seeing you all on the next tour! Your friendly guide is signing off.