Session format: This will be a Roundtable/Panel session in which each panelist will give a “flash” position paper followed by a short discussion between the panelists. The session will conclude with an open floor discussion. Position papers will be submitted to the session chairs prior to the session and shared with all panelists. As with many professions, women comprise a lower proportion than men in professional archaeology and a significantly lower proportion in computer science. CAA membership reflects this trend, and over the past decade the majority of the steering committee members, including those who have run for executive steering committee positions, have been men. This panel session, through the presentation of position papers and discussion, will provide a platform for discussion of concrete solutions to issues women in computer applications in archaeology face. Topics may include, but are not limited to, the process of professionalization for women, continuing education to address access to resources, the power of increasing visibility of female role models and developing mentoring opportunities for students, actions for improving retention and promotion of women, the importance of creating a formal network of CAA members with the shared interest of developing women in the field, or lessons from how other professional organizations have handled these disparities (looking both within and outside of Anthropology). Position papers should identify issues, but also focus on concrete solutions for enhancing women’s roles within the field. CAA, through its annual conference, is an important forum for learning about the intersection of digital technologies and archaeology. It also fosters a strong network of digital archaeologists, so are there ways to encourage more women to join CAA and thus benefit from the support of this community? Are there additional steps that we can take to encourage women not only to volunteer for leadership roles within CAA but also within the wider discipline? The goal of this session is to seek action to equalize opportunities for and representation of women in computer applications in archaeology.
