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Three things you can do to help us change the gender ratio in tech.
Change is starting to occur for Women in Tech and it’s exciting. Over the last two years I have seen a huge shift in society's perceptions of Women In Tech and the workplace in general.
This year started off with Susan Fowler’s description of her horrible experience at Uber. Instead of it being ignored or glossed over, as such stories have been in the past, people listened, action was taken, and Uber fired their CEO.
Five years ago when Ellen Pao made similar arguments and statements she lost her sexual harassment suit in court. I would wager that this might not happen in our current environment.
Over the summer and into the fall more and more women have come forward with their stories, both in tech and other industries like film and politics. For the first time each story is getting traction, people are believing the victims, and changes are happening because of it.
What has spurred the change?
I believe it is because of publications like ours, that are amplifying these women’s voices. The more we talk about the sexism, harassment, glass ceilings, and unconscious bias the more change we can effect. It works a bit like the Mere-exposure effect.
“The mere-exposure effect is a psychological phenomenon by which people tend to develop a preference for things merely because they are familiar with them. In social psychology, this effect is sometimes called the familiarity principle.”
So the more people hear about sexism, harassment, glass ceilings, and unconscious bias, the more they believe those issues exist. The biggest issue we had 5 years ago was people didn’t really believe any of those things were still a problem. By showing example after example, we are showing them it is real.
It is exciting that we have gotten to this point, but it isn’t enough for people to know about these issues and believe they are happening: We need to change this behaviour!
How do we change their behaviour?
We keep telling our stories, we write pieces that give tangible solid advice for what men, women, and companies can do to effect this change. We at Code Like A Girl want to help do that! But we need your help.
Role Models are Key
Not only do we need to highlight the issues that exist today, we also need to shine a light on the women who are rocking it in the tech industry! The exposure effect can work it’s magic here too. The more girls and young women see other people like them becoming successful, and having rewarding careers in tech, the more they will believe it too.
Helps us build the momentum and continue to effect the change we are seeing today and the change we want to see tomorrow.
Be a Code Like A Girl Writer
Tell your story, impart your knowledge and wisdom, and inspire a new generation to join you in tech by being their role model.
Be an Amplifier
Amplify our voices and help young girls see the role models that exist around them.
Be a Financial Backer
Make a commitment to help us financially so we can support our writers, editors, and translators to in amplifying the voices of Women In Technology.
You can also make a one time donation here:
