This blog post is very personal and sharing it makes me very vulnerable. So please, respect that. And please, just please don't come and tell me it...
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Thanks for sharing. I'm keeping this bookmarked because I always need a "it's not just you" example for the women I work with.
I've worked with plenty of women in the past (and mentored a few), so just want to say I believe you. I've seen it myself and I've had to correct the other men in the room, or bring the technical expert into the conversation, because no-one expected the expert on that to be the woman.
It frustrates me immensely, so no idea how draining it can be for those targeted by the "microaggressions" - there's nothing micro about them.
I hope that the one dissenting voice in the room is enough to get everyone to question the culture, but I'm often the consultant in the room, so I don't always get to see the follow-up.
Thanks! And I can assure you - even if that one voice doesn't get everyone to question the culture, it gets some to question it, and it definitely is meaningful for us, as it communicates that we're not imagining those things. So thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Thanks for sharing. This article made me reflect that I should be more active in my role as an ally. Sometimes I see some unacceptable behaviors and I end up keeping to myself to avoid confrontation... but what is described as microagressions in fact are simply aggressions and should not have place in our society.
Thanks! I'm really glad to hear. And I do know what you mean - confrontation is not fun, and it can be risky in many ways.
Working in computing since 1979 I can only agree. I’m sorry it’s still happening.
Trying to resist ends up with you as the bad guy, the angry women, the persistent complainer.
Sympathy
Yup, it is interesting how it always turns out that way!
Thank you for sharing. It's important to spread awareness of people's experiences, so we can all do better.
It also makes me grateful that I somehow avoided this issue over the years. I think working at small companies really helps, as there is less chance to be overshadowed. It won't work for everyone, I know. But could be a tip for some.
Thanks! And yeah, that could work - if the company has right kind of people. I mean, some of my experiences are from small companies, but I totally can see that with right kind of people the chances for such behaviour are way smaller.
@eevajonnapanula, thank you for being vulnerable with us and sharing your story. If I had to pick a quote that reasonates with me, it would be this:
“I…have internalized the thoughts about me not being competent enough, of me not belonging in tech”. For a long time, I avoided learning how to code because I felt that skill was only for men, especially those of “lighter hue” if you get what I mean. Through joining women-centric coding communities, I realized that anyone can code. Keep giving sexism the finger and never stop being awesome! 😊👍🏽
Thank you so much! 💖 And oh no, that really sucks. But I'm so glad you're found those communities and had that realization 🙌
Thank you for sharing ❤️
I hope that this stops happening and I believe that making people aware is a step in the right direction.
Thank you ❤️
Your article sheds light on a crucial issue and serves as a call to action for change in the tech industry for sure.. Thank you for sharing..
Thanks!