In the lightning talk titled "Plan of action - we need more women in programming!" Marion Schleifer, a junior software developer at Simplificator AG, discusses the underrepresentation of women in programming and emphasizes the importance of increasing diversity in this field.

Key Points Discussed:

• Stereotypes and Perceptions: Marion addresses the harmful stereotypes that depict programmers as 'nerds’ and predominantly male. She shares personal anecdotes illustrating these stereotypes, such as an encounter with an airport traveler and comments from family members.
• Social Barriers: She emphasizes that societal values and misconceptions can deter women from pursuing programming. A statement from the GitHub CEO reinforces the idea that everyone has the potential to be a great developer, but not everyone has the opportunity due to these social constructs.
• Importance of Diversity: Marion argues that having more women in programming leads to diverse perspectives, which enhances creativity and decision-making within teams. Different backgrounds contribute to a balanced approach in problem-solving, making teams more effective.
• Creating Opportunities: The talk highlights the importance of providing opportunities for women in programming. Marion recounts how she initiated her career by seeking an internship at her company even when one wasn't available, leading to her full-time role. She also discusses her involvement in coaching and courses aimed at women.
• Engaging Future Generations: She stresses the need to engage with young girls and children early on, showing them that programming is a viable career option. Marion connects with primary schools to expose children to coding, aiming to change perceptions from a young age.
• Action Steps: To combat stereotypes and improve representation, Marion encourages attendees to share their coding experiences openly, promote creative aspects of programming, and get involved in local coding events such as Rails Girls.

In conclusion, Marion expresses her hope that the programming field will become a norm for everyone, regardless of gender, and advocates for open doors and increased awareness to dismantle stereotypes in programming. She calls for collective efforts to change the narrative around women in tech, ultimately fostering an inclusive and diverse environment in the tech industry.