# Navigating Subtle Discrimination: Women in Technology Speak Out
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Chapter 1: The Struggles of Women in Tech
In my role as a civil engineering faculty member at a prestigious institute in India, I faced immense challenges. Achieving this position required passing a notoriously difficult examination and enduring a rigorous ninety-minute interview with a panel of twenty-two distinguished researchers. That interview was one of the most daunting experiences I've had.
However, this article isn't solely about that struggle. It's about the ongoing challenges I face in my professional environment, where my opinions are often dismissed simply because I'm a woman. I've been in meetings where older male colleagues interrupt me mid-sentence, believing their viewpoints hold more weight. At professional events, I've noticed that waitstaff serve men before women, and I've received assurances that my research papers would be accepted at conferences merely because they wanted female representatives.
There have been moments when both a male coworker and I made the same mistake. His error was brushed off as a common oversight, while mine was met with knowing smirks, insinuating that "women are often careless and distracted." These experiences left me feeling deeply hurt by such blatant misogyny, yet years of conditioning led me to remain silent in the presence of these authoritative men. Instead of voicing my frustration, I resolved to demonstrate my worth through my work.
Since then, I have dedicated myself to completing projects with exceptional effort to avoid similar mistakes. Despite my hard work, many still view me as little more than a decorative presence rather than a valuable contributor. This ongoing frustration has led me to question: Is this struggle unique to me, or do other women in technology also encounter these barriers before being recognized for their contributions?
To gain further insight, I spoke with three women from diverse backgrounds about their experiences in the tech field. Their stories were heart-wrenching yet inspiring, illustrating the systemic issues faced by women and the resilience they've shown in overcoming these challenges.
Section 1.1: Proving One's Worth
Recently, I spoke with Debanjana Gupta, a Deputy Superintending Surveyor at the Survey of India. In one of the most prestigious government positions, I asked her about her experiences as a woman in a predominantly male environment. She expressed that while the government offers substantial support for work-life balance, the attitudes of her male colleagues need significant improvement.
Her subordinates, many of whom have more experience than she does in years, struggle to accept her authority, despite her rank. She found herself in a position where she had to prove her capabilities and earn their respect.
"I had to demonstrate my value before being entrusted with responsibilities," she shared. "I needed to show my seniors that I could perform my job as well as, if not better than, my male counterparts."
Initially, Debanjana believed that all newcomers faced similar skepticism. However, she soon realized that her male colleagues received respect simply due to their gender, while she faced an inherent reluctance from others to follow her lead.
Section 1.2: Pricing Disparities in Freelancing
In my second interview, I spoke with Shreya Badonia, a multifaceted professional—writer, podcaster, YouTuber, freelancer, and designer. Although she has not personally experienced gender discrimination, she noted that many of her female friends find it challenging to ask for fair compensation for their services, a concern that men seem to navigate more easily.
"I believe men are more assertive about their worth," Shreya explained. "Women often undervalue themselves. This isn't solely a matter of gender inequality; it's about a mindset that needs to change."
In a society that often invalidates women's needs and encourages endurance over vocalization, it's disheartening to see this age-old patriarchal conditioning extend into freelancing.
Chapter 2: The Impact of Gender Bias on Recognition
During a conversation with a female colleague, an assistant professor at a renowned engineering college, we discussed the challenges of publishing research papers in esteemed journals. Although she was thrilled about her achievements, she lamented that her male peers often attributed her success to external factors, such as kind reviewers or lenient acceptance policies, rather than acknowledging her talent.
She chose to remain anonymous but allowed me to share her experience. Despite many students opting to be mentored by her, her male colleagues speculated that this was due to her grading leniency rather than her expertise.
Once again, her merits were overshadowed, as her male counterparts dismissed her accomplishments, attributing them to factors unrelated to her hard work and intelligence.
Section 2.1: Reframing Feminism
When discussing feminism with my male friends, I'm often disheartened to find that their understanding is limited to superficial aspects, such as women's freedom to wear whatever they like. While this is indeed a facet of feminism, it is far from the complete picture.
All we seek is fair treatment. We do not aim to vilify men or usurp their power; our desire is for our intellect and achievements to be respected on their own merit, independent of gender.
In essence, we aspire to be recognized as contributing members of society rather than mere ornaments. Is that too much to ask?
This video, "Gender Bias In Tech: Tips For Dealing With It," explores various strategies women can employ to navigate the challenges of gender bias in technology.
In "Why the 'Opt-Out' Explanation is Insufficient: Subtle Messages Push Women out of Work," the video delves into the subtle societal pressures that contribute to women's exclusion from the workforce, offering insights into overcoming these challenges.