Women In Technology: The Challenge And The Responsibility

Is it almost reverse logic in some ways to call out ‘women in technology’ as an issue that needs addressing? Surely it should just be people in technology, some of whom are women, right? Speaking as a man married to a female professional software application developer who feels exactly this way, it’s kind of tough not to see women coder initiatives as sexist in their own right.

I put this question to a senior technical editor (male) colleague of mine who said, “Yes you’re right, in some ways it becomes a negative — but there is an imbalance in the industry and so its even worse if we don’t do it.”

There’s no invisible hand

Indeed, as tech analyst at Red Monk James Governor wrote this week, “Diversity in tech is an important issue that can’t be left to the ‘invisible hand’. We need to be visible, encouraging diversity, making welcoming spaces. At my events we always offer free tickets for underrepresented groups.”

Red Monk  recently partnered with Women Who Code’s UK chapter — the firm is also involved with an event called ‘Coed Code’ designed to encourage more women to consider systems programming, which is normally a male bastion.

Why the discussion? Because news now emanates from The Linux Foundation detailing its partnership with Women Who Code — the aim of this connection is quite straightforward i.e. to increase diversity in the technology industry and support women who want to attend Linux Foundation events.

The partnership includes free and discounted passes to Linux Foundation events for Women Who Code members, as well as an initial donation to the organization to back its greater efforts to support women in technology. Women Who Code was created in 2011 and the nonprofit is best known for its CODE Review and free technical study groups, hack nights, career development and speaking events featuring technology industry experts and investors.