Beyond “Girl in Tech”: Earning a Gender-Balanced Tech Industry – Medium

Ever walk into a room and feel the unspoken question hanging in the air: “Did she get here because of her skills, or just because she’s a woman?”

That’s the sad reality many women in tech face, a gnawing discomfort fueled by the persistent gender gap in the industry. This isn’t just about statistics; it’s about women earning their place in tech.

Beyond Job Descriptions: The Devaluation of Merit

Imagine scrolling through countless job postings seeking the “perfect candidate,” who, strangely, is never described by their sheer talent and dedication.

I think that it’s demeaning honestly to women. When their hard earned skills and knowledge isn’t recognized. Instead to be thought of as able to work in tech because of their gender.

This is also the reason I think there’s still a big struggle to get more women in tech. No hard working person wants to be thought of as being done for a favor. People want to know they belong because they deserve to. Because they worked hard to gain the positions.

With the mentality of employing women to fill a position based on gender we ended up having the salary fight. This is why we also have the gender pay gap.

This breeds an environment where even the most accomplished women can feel like imposters.

The Discomforting Ripple Effect: A Deterrent to Progress

Feeling your achievements overshadowed by your gender isn’t just uncomfortable; it’s discouraging. When talented women hesitate to apply because they fear being judged solely on their gender, the entire industry loses. The talent pool shrinks, innovative perspectives go unheard, and the struggle for true inclusivity continues. This isn’t a “women’s problem”; it’s a missed opportunity for the industry as a whole.

Breaking the Cycle: Building a Foundation of Skills-First Hiring

So, how do we move beyond this outdated framework? It starts with prioritizing skills. Every job description, every interview, every hiring decision should be guided by one principle: meritocracy. Evaluate candidates based on their demonstrated expertise, their problem-solving skills, and their passion for the field. Let resumes speak for themselves,showcasing tangible achievements and a proven track record of success. By focusing on what someone can do, not who they are, we create a level playing field where women can finally be judged on their own terms.

Marketing Beyond the Stereotypes: Embracing Inclusivity

Tech companies should today market their adverts tailored for both genders.

This way kids know games and computers are for anyone who is interested. That way we pique girls interest in tech at a very young age and they grow up knowing it’s okay and normal for girls to tech.

Otherwise introducing tech to women at a very late age in life after they’ve grown their whole life seeing boys be the only one given priority in anything tech, they become somewhat suspicious.

I mean why would you care about someone/something that has not cared about you your whole life? Or showed interest in making you a part of ?

The talent pool for women in tech is low and that is because of the failure to nature the interest of girls in tech from a young age. So let’s start from there.

Pique girls interest in STEM fields from a young age.

Nurturing Interests: Early Exposure and Inspirational Role Models

Early exposure is key. Engaging programs that introduce girls to coding, robotics, and other tech disciplines can foster a lifelong passion. Imagine young girls participating in workshops led by inspiring women, learning from their experiences and seeing tech not as a distant dream, but as a tangible possibility. By planting the seeds of interest early and providing positive role models, we cultivate a generation of girls who confidently enter the tech world, prepared to make their mark.

Amplifying Achievements: Celebrating Women Who Lead the Way

Women in tech are breaking barriers and achieving incredible things every day. But their accomplishments often go unnoticed, drowned out by the dominant narrative. We need to amplify their voices, showcase their work big or small, and celebrate their triumphs. Let’s shine their spotlight. inspiring future generations to follow in their footsteps. By highlighting the contributions of women in tech, we dismantle stereotypes and send a clear message: women belong in this industry, and their achievements deserve recognition.

Beyond Tokenism: Building a Culture of Equity

Addressing the gender gap in tech isn’t about filling quotas or ticking boxes. It’s about creating a culture of true equity,where women feel welcomed, valued, and empowered. This requires acknowledging and combating unconscious bias,the subtle prejudices that can unintentionally disadvantage women. Open discussions, training programs, and a commitment to fair treatment are crucial steps in building a more inclusive environment.

The journey towards gender equity in tech demands a multifaceted approach, from promoting skills, to fostering early exposure in STEM field. Let’s celebrate women’s achievements to actively dismantle unconscious bias.

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