Who's missing from the room

This interactive session will provide a brief overview of the gender diversity situation including directions and potential best practices. Did you ever wonder why there are only 18% women studying computing in the US but 50% in many Middle Eastern countries? Where else are there women in the classroom and do they continue equal representation in the workforce? From the work in the United States; the current studies begun in Brazil; and brief overview of other countries, why are certain places successful in certain levels but not at others? What are the lessons we can learn from our neighbors? It is hoped that the audience will provide information about their particular countries and ask provocative questions to the audience at large.