Navigating Gender Bias: Lessons from the Tech World

 

I recently attended a tech event, and I have to say, it was an experience that left me both inspired and reflective. Based on the selected criteria, our team was chosen as the best of the best, which was a proud moment for us all. It wasn’t just about winning, though. What truly stood out was the energy in the room—the shared passion for technology, innovation, and the hunger for change. I had the chance to interact with so many talented individuals, and it reminded me just how important it is to make connections in this fast-paced world. We’re all on a journey, and the people we meet along the way play a significant role in shaping that path.
As a woman in STEM, I’m always excited to see more women taking up space in the tech industry. It’s a field that has long been male-dominated, but the tides are turning, and women are rising to the occasion. I love seeing that fire in the eyes of women who are determined to break through barriers and prove that we belong at the table. We’re not just sitting on the sidelines anymore—we’re building, innovating, and leading. And while progress has been made, there’s still so much more to be done.
That said, the event wasn’t without its challenges. Not every conversation was as uplifting as I’d hoped. I had an encounter with someone who believed that women should be relegated to "lesser" roles in tech. It was disheartening, to say the least. We had an argument, as you might expect. Words were exchanged, and for a moment, I felt frustrated and angry. How could someone still think like this in 2024? But then, I took a step back and realized something important—this person has their own set of beliefs, shaped by their experiences, just like I have mine. While I don’t agree with them, I’ve learned that it’s essential to engage in dialogue, no matter how difficult, because it opens the door to change.
Another surprising conversation I had was with someone who thought society made a mistake by encouraging women to pursue careers and earn their own money. According to them, this shift disrupted the natural order. It was such a stark contrast to the mindset I’ve grown up with, where independence and financial freedom are celebrated. Hearing those words reminded me that even though we’ve made strides, there are still many who hold onto outdated beliefs about gender roles. And as much as it bothered me in the moment, I couldn’t help but reflect later. It’s their version of the story, their belief system, even if it’s one I don’t share.
What these encounters taught me is that the world is full of different perspectives, some more aligned with progress than others. It’s easy to get caught up in proving who’s right or wrong, but sometimes, the most valuable lesson is learning to listen. We each have our own journey, and just because my path may look different doesn’t mean it’s any less valid. It doesn’t make me less capable or determined. I’ve taken my steps, and others have taken theirs, and that’s okay. We all move at our own pace, and that doesn’t make one person stronger or better than the other.
What matters is that we keep moving forward, especially in spaces like tech, where diversity of thought and experience is critical to innovation. The world needs more women in STEM, more voices, and more perspectives. We need to challenge outdated narratives, but we also need to recognize that change takes time—and it starts with each of us being open to conversation and learning from one another, even when we disagree.
At the end of the day, we’re all human. We have different versions of the world we live in, shaped by our unique experiences. And that’s okay. What’s important is that we respect those differences and continue to push for a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive—especially women in tech.
So, if you’re a woman reading this, or someone supporting women in tech, keep pushing, keep striving, and most importantly, keep showing up. We belong in this space, and the more we claim it, the brighter our future will be. The journey might not always be smooth, and we may encounter opposition along the way, but that’s what makes us stronger.
Here’s to the path ahead, full of progress, persistence, and possibility.
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