WOMEN IN TECH - LAUDS AND HICCUPS
Since time immemorial, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields and jobs have been dominated by the existing patriarchy. Sexism prevails at workplace and women are faced with the need to choose between society and work. Many women have had to shirk away from office hours due to their chores at home, which they have been burdened with without any help and are “assumed” to do.
However, things are changing for the better, even if it is a slow start. There have been numerous women, who stand on a pedestal that screams “We are not less!" It is imperative for us to know and learn from their journeys and the way they have impacted and influenced our community. Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook fought through stereotypes to become one of the Time’s 100 most influential people. Grace Hopper was not only in the US Navy during World War 2 but also lead the team that created the first computer language compiler. Megan Smith was the voice that advised Obama on his decision to endorse open and free internet! The list goes on and one comes to the realization that although limited in number, women have culminated their way to the top in the most influential and inspiring ways!
Despite the honorable mark they have left in the field, there still exists a huge bias that keeps women from coming forward. They are subjected to sexism that is deeply embedded and normalized in the workplace and general society. Women who once were a major part of technology creation, are now fighting for their representation. Less than 25% of tech workers are women and this number could be declining because girls aren’t encouraged and supported enough in their early years to pursue science. By 2019, for every dollar earned by a man, a woman earned only 79 cents. While the margin is horrifying, it is not surprising. The gap is even worse for women of colour.
The worst isn’t over yet. Women tend to undervalue their market worth, asking for less pay 66% of the time, and would often ask for 6% less salary than their male counterparts. Sexism prevails in the vernacular as men continue to pass comments on fellow women workers and underemphasize their skills. In fact, when one comes to think of it, this might be one of the reasons the richest people in the world are mostly men.
But it is high time that we change those numbers and stand up for equal opportunities.
This is why there are world-known organizations, such as Anita B.org, which aim to close the persistent pay gap that exists for women and uplift women in technology. Google Summer of Code focuses on bringing more students into software development. Women Techmakers is one organization which provides resources, visibility and community for women in technology globally!
Tech has become one way in which a million men and women feel liberated. Take an example of your grandmother and/or mother who instantly rejoices on being able to post on Facebook or double-tap and like a photo on Instagram! Technology has framed our lives in a way like no other. It has even allowed us to live a more comfortable life, especially in the current tough times of our battle with Coronavirus. It is entrenched into our daily habits and being its active users, it is our responsibility to contribute to its development. Spreading awareness is the first step in doing so.
Hence, it is important to guide students and beginners in the community to grow in their respective skill set and grab opportunities. We must encourage interactions among people from various cultural and technical backgrounds to come together.
