Smart Glasses Take Aim at Workplace Inequality at Hackathon for Women
During a recent hackathon in China, a team showcased an innovative project targeting workplace discrimination. The smart glasses they developed, named “SheSense,” can identify sexist comments in real-time and suggest appropriate responses. The experience played out dramatically when a conversation revealed a typical sexist stereotype, prompting the glasses to alert the team: “Sensitivity is not a weakness; everyone deserves respect.”
The project was presented on April 6 at She Code Lab, a groundbreaking hackathon series dedicated to encouraging women in technology. Over 161 participants, mainly women, took part in this 48-hour coding marathon, which required teams to create a product quickly.
She Code Lab aims to empower women in a tech field where they are often underrepresented. Recent statistics show that women made up only 26% of newly registered programmers in China in 2023. Since its inception in 2025, She Code Lab has organized hackathons in major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen, drawing in many aspiring female tech creators.
Various initiatives have emerged across the country to support women in coding. Organizations like Coding Garden offer free online courses, while communities like Coding Witch have amassed substantial followings on social media. Some even involve state-supported women’s federations creating shared spaces for female entrepreneurs.
“Our goal is to inspire women to step into roles as creators, not just users,” said Peng Jing, one of the young organizers. She emphasized that women’s perspectives are crucial in shaping technology.
Inspiration from Personal Experiences
Liu Mi, a hardware engineer, found the spark for SheSense from her own experiences in a male-led workplace. A seemingly innocent compliment from a male colleague made her realize the assumptions that often accompany gender in tech roles. Similarly, her teammate Cao Yuan shared her experience of facing stereotypes during her school years, which led her to doubt her capabilities.
The team leader, Zhou Xuan, combined these insights to create smart glasses capable of recognizing discriminatory language. After a sleepless 48-hour coding spree, the team successfully demoed their product and hopes to partner with manufacturers to bring it to life.
Addressing Women’s Health Issues
Other participants at the hackathon tackled personal issues as well. Helen He, a 33-year-old investor, drew inspiration from articles about menopause. Realizing that her mother’s health issues might be related, she partnered with another participant to develop a smart pillow designed to alleviate menopausal symptoms. The innovative solution won first prize, and the team is working on launching it commercially.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Peng still remembers a call with fellow organizer Ni Zhen, which sparked the idea for a women-led hackathon. After witnessing dismissive attitudes toward women-centric products at a larger event, they knew that creating a supportive space for women was essential. Their first event exceeded expectations, drawing over 200 participants eager to innovate.
With about a dozen women leading the charge in various roles from tech to logistics, She Code Lab has inspired thousands. Their upcoming events aim to break barriers by boosting participation and visibility for women in tech.
Participants who previously attended mixed-gender hackathons commented on the distinct feeling of community at She Code Lab, where mutual understanding flourishes among women.
From wearable devices to apps that assist women, projects at the hackathons increasingly reflect a focus on women’s issues. Even when the events expanded to include broader themes, many still centered on women’s experiences.
Fostering Confidence and Growth
These hackathons have provided vital support, helping to boost female participants’ confidence. Coordinator Jiang Xuning noted that societal norms often deter women from pursuing technical fields, making such spaces even more valuable.
Innovative approaches like AI-assisted coding have made technology more accessible, allowing participants to embrace the coding wave. As they connect with one another and grow in skills, many participants evolve from unsure beginners to confident creators.
Overall, She Code Lab is proving to be a vital platform, challenging stereotypes and encouraging women to harness their potential in technology.
Jiang reflected on this growth, noting that the hackathons have not only empowered participants but have also brought together women leaders across various sectors, ultimately building a strong community of creators.
Closing Thoughts
With each event, She Code Lab aims to affirm the message that women can create impactful technology. The organizers believe this newfound visibility is vital for breaking stereotypes in a traditionally male-dominated field. Seeing women thrive in tech reaffirms their mission to foster innovative ideas and empowering spaces for all.
