[Arnor]

Surely both of these are factors. I would suggest:

1. That at an early age, programming role models in particular aren't as important as STEM role models in general. It's certainly anecdotal, but I moved towards programming as a practical job that somewhat satisfied my broader interest in science and engineering.

2. It might be beneficial to girls and boys alike if technology was taught more socially. Certainly tinkering and reading alone is important, but maker clubs and the like are an extraordinary way to get young people involved. As a bonus, they help with teamwork which is another big issue for (many) tech companies.