4 ms·

Of course a minority is going to be "under-represented" if it had no interest in joining the sector. I bet people making those policies never spoke about softwa

Of course a minority is going to be "under-represented" if it had no interest in joining the sector. I bet people making those policies never spoke about software with a lambda woman. I did, and I will tell you my experience. I was a student in computer science degree. During parties, or when meeting new people, there is always this phase where people introduce themselves and ask what that do/study. I had multiple occasions to tell European women the truth: that I'm studied CS. The response generally ranged from meh to disgust. That include mockery and conversation that turned very short. At some point I was also studying something else. I then started to introduce myself as a student of that major instead. The results were almost magically: not only there wasn't any negative reaction, but it was something picking interested and fueling the conversation further. Now I precised European earlier in the post because I also experimented in Japan were Asian women response ranged from ok to some interested in learning how to code. That being said, a minority for which rising statistics is almost impossible is way good for all the people living by preaching "diversity": they sure won't run out of work.

silicon2401 5y ago
This is what happened in Sweden. As equal opportunities increased, the disparity in representation between men and women became even more drastic, due to individual preference.
CodeGlitch 5y ago
> I was a student in computer science degree. During parties, or when meeting new people, there is always this phase where people introduce themselves and ask what that do/study. I had multiple occasions to tell European women the truth: that I'm studied CS. The response generally ranged from meh to disgust. That include mockery and conversation that turned very short. I had the same experience in the UK...this was back in 2000 though. I do think things would be different these days, as people generally have a better understanding of CS. In my year, there were only 2 women studying CS. They both went on to do non computer-related jobs (not my fault I swear!).

silicon2401 5y ago

This is what happened in Sweden. As equal opportunities increased, the disparity in representation between men and women became even more drastic, due to individual preference.

CodeGlitch 5y ago

> I was a student in computer science degree. During parties, or when meeting new people, there is always this phase where people introduce themselves and ask what that do/study. I had multiple occasions to tell European women the truth: that I'm studied CS. The response generally ranged from meh to disgust. That include mockery and conversation that turned very short. I had the same experience in the UK...this was back in 2000 though. I do think things would be different these days, as people generally have a better understanding of CS. In my year, there were only 2 women studying CS. They both went on to do non computer-related jobs (not my fault I swear!).