# Embracing Gender Equality: A Female Developer's Experience
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Chapter 1: The Journey of a Woman in Tech
Reflecting on my experiences as a female developer, I realize that not all women in tech have had the same journey.
Celebrating International Women’s Day may have passed, but discussions about equality, particularly gender equality, should extend beyond a single day. Throughout my career in technology, I’ve encountered various attitudes towards women in the field—some blatant, others more subtle, and many unintentional. Such negativity is prevalent enough that most women in tech could easily share their own stories.
What’s even more disheartening is when a woman fails to recognize this negativity and believes it’s simply the norm in the tech industry. It’s crucial to understand that you deserve to feel respected as a woman in this field. I have been fortunate to work with allies and on teams that prioritize gender equality. Here’s how a supportive tech environment should feel.
Section 1.1: Valuing Unique Perspectives
In teams that genuinely respect their members, diverse backgrounds are celebrated rather than seen as a hindrance. While blatant sexism still exists, many gender disparities in the tech landscape manifest in more subtle ways. Women often find themselves outnumbered and feel they must exert extra effort to prove their worth. This can create an unwelcoming atmosphere, akin to attending an event where you know no one, and your success hinges on how well you can navigate established social circles.
In a respectful team, your individuality is acknowledged, and your unique insights are valued beyond just your gender.
Section 1.2: Having a Voice
Research indicates that men tend to dominate conversations in the workplace. As companies adopt diversity and inclusion training, there’s often a focus on encouraging others to advocate for women when they’re overlooked. Ideally, in a truly respectful environment, you shouldn’t have to rely on others to speak up for you; your contributions should be heard and appreciated without needing an advocate.
Chapter 2: Recognizing Technical Expertise
The first video, "The Reality of Trying To Land a Dev Job as a Woman," explores the challenges women face in the tech job market, sharing personal stories and insights.
As a female developer, it’s essential that your technical skills are recognized and relied upon, not just your interpersonal talents. The stereotype that women are inherently more social and artistic while men are systematic is not only an oversimplification but also detrimental to women's professional growth. Software engineering encompasses creativity, social interaction, and analytical thinking.
During a previous internship, I was able to collaborate on a new feature alongside full-time employees. Despite being an intern, I was treated as a key contributor to the project and encouraged to explore various aspects of the job. My team valued my technical insights while also supporting my growth through creative and social opportunities.
Section 2.1: Encouragement to Lead
Gender equality in tech must go beyond merely having women in teams. The proportion of women in leadership roles is alarmingly low—only 22% of tech leadership positions in Fortune 500 companies are filled by women. As a female developer, it’s important that you are not only encouraged to excel as a programmer but also to take on leadership roles.
Section 2.2: Collaborative Feedback
A culture of diversity thrives on collaboration among team members and their allies. It’s important to remember that allies aren’t expected to have all the answers. Acknowledging that no one has a complete understanding of inclusion issues allows for more open discussions about complex topics like gender discrimination.
Just as a skilled developer seeks feedback, a true ally must also be willing to learn and adapt. A genuinely inclusive team will strive to find a balance between seeking input and expecting marginalized individuals to provide all the solutions.
The second video, "WHAT IT'S LIKE TO BE A WOMAN SOFTWARE ENGINEER | Women in Tech Q&A," delves into personal experiences and offers advice for women navigating the tech industry.
Through my various professional experiences, I’ve discovered these are just a few ways in which my mostly male teams made me feel included and respected. If you find that these elements are lacking in your workplace, consider whether your team can improve or seek out a more supportive environment.
Happy belated International Women’s Day!
Sincerely,
Lindsay