A message from the ACM-W Global Co-Chair, Bushra Anjum
Being appointed as the Global Co-Chair of ACM-W is not only an honor but also carries a deep sense of responsibility. I have been a part of the academic and professional computing world for years, and this is a chance for me to give back to the community that has supported my own journey.
Associations like ACM-W are instrumental in advocating for women in computing by providing supportive networks and mentorship opportunities. For over 30 years, ACM-W has been dedicated to raising the visibility of women’s achievements in STEM through scholarships, professional development programs, and events that celebrate women’s contributions to technology.
As a Fulbright scholar from Pakistan, I was fortunate to experience firsthand the transformative power of traveling and cross-cultural exchange. I have learned that fostering international collaboration and mutual understanding is the key to addressing the global gender disparities in computing. As the Global Co-Chair, I aim to leverage these experiences to create opportunities for women in computing to build international networks and expand their horizons beyond local contexts. I am fortunate to have Rukiye Altin as my partner in this important journey.
Going forward, my primary focus as co-chair is to reinvigorate our Professional Chapters initiative. We opened a call for nominations last month for the committee members and have received a tremendous response. We are still working on finalizing our committee, and if you or someone you know would be a good fit, we encourage you to apply using this link.
I will also be diligently working to expand our presence and activities in emerging regions like Asia Pacific, Africa, and South America. This will require strategic planning and securing funding, but with the support of the ACM-W Global leadership team, I am confident we can drive this growth.
At the same time, our commitment to celebrating women will remain center stage. On that front, I am pleased to announce that the Rising Star Award 2024-25 nominations are now open. Rising Star recognizes a woman whose early-career research has had a significant impact on the computing discipline. Self-nominations are encouraged! Please see this link for details.
As we continue this journey, my executive team and I look forward to building upon ACM-W’s incredible legacy and championing initiatives that foster inclusion, inspire new talent, and drive meaningful change in the global tech landscape.