Ada Lovelace Day
The world's first programmer was a woman — and she imagined the future of computing in 1843.
About
Ada Lovelace Day, observed on the second Tuesday of October, celebrates Ada Lovelace — widely regarded as the world's first computer programmer — and all women in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). Lovelace wrote the first algorithm intended for a machine in 1843, envisioning how Charles Babbage's Analytical Engine could compute far more than numbers. The day highlights female role models in STEM and advocates for greater gender diversity in technology.
History
Ada Lovelace Day was founded by writer and campaign director Suw Charman-Anderson in 2009. The day has grown from a single blog post into an international celebration with events in dozens of countries. Ada Lovelace was born in 1815, the daughter of poet Lord Byron, and worked with mathematician Charles Babbage on what may have been the world's first computer.
Where It's Observed
Cultural Context
US United States
Silicon Valley's persistent gender gap in technology makes Ada Lovelace Day particularly significant in the US. Google, Microsoft, and other tech giants run events promoting girls in coding. The day connects to broader campaigns like Girls Who Code and Women in Tech.
KR South Korea
South Korea's tech industry faces gender diversity challenges despite the country's overall high levels of female education. Ada Lovelace Day prompts events at Korean tech companies and universities encouraging women to pursue STEM careers and leadership roles.
JP Japan
Japan's tech industry has one of the most severe gender gaps in any developed nation. Ada Lovelace Day highlights the importance of role models and structural change, and organisations like Women in Tech Japan run events connecting female technologists.
How to Participate
- 01Learn about Ada Lovelace's work and her vision for computational thinking
- 02Introduce a girl or young woman in your life to a STEM role model
- 03Attend an Ada Lovelace Day event at a tech company, university, or library
- 04Support organisations working to increase gender diversity in technology
Frequently asked questions
When is Ada Lovelace Day?+
Ada Lovelace Day is observed annually on October 14. The date is fixed each year — October 14 — and does not shift based on the lunar calendar or weekday.
What is Ada Lovelace Day?+
Ada Lovelace Day, observed on the second Tuesday of October, celebrates Ada Lovelace — widely regarded as the world's first computer programmer — and all women in science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM). Lovelace wrote the first algorithm intended for a machine in 1843, envisioning how Ch…
Is Ada Lovelace Day a public holiday?+
Ada Lovelace Day is an international observance or awareness day, not a public holiday in most countries. It does not typically result in days off work or school closures, though some countries and organisations hold official events.
How can I participate in Ada Lovelace Day?+
Learn about Ada Lovelace's work and her vision for computational thinking Introduce a girl or young woman in your life to a STEM role model Attend an Ada Lovelace Day event at a tech company, university, or library These are some of the most accessible ways to engage with the day's purpose.
Which countries observe Ada Lovelace Day?+
Global — technology and science communities worldwide.
Mark the date
Download a free printable calendar for 2026 and never miss Ada Lovelace Day.