Sexism in IT

Senior backend developer with experience in Python. I am interested in sports and singing. Previously, I was a jazz vocalist and performed in famous jazz clubs. My experience in software development allows me to create effective and scalable solutions, and my passion for music develops creative thinking and the ability to work in a team.

Senior backend developer with experience in Python. I am interested in sports and singing. Previously, I performed as a jazz vocalist in jazz clubs. My development experience includes creating high-load applications and optimizing server logic, which allows me to effectively solve complex backend development problems. Sports and singing help me maintain a balance between my professional activities and personal interests, developing creativity and team spirit.

Tanya, how do people usually react when they find out that you work as a programmer?

People not associated with IT are often surprised when they encounter the world of technology, while programmers react calmly. This is probably due to the fact that technology professionals have a more developed ability to control their emotions and maintain composure in various situations.

Meeting a stranger at a bar without professional IT skills can lead to conflict. In my opinion, until more women enter the IT industry, sexism will continue to exist. The solution to this problem is only possible with the active participation of women in this area.

Sexism is a problem that many people face at different points in their lives. Sometimes, the first awareness of sexism occurs in childhood, when girls and boys encounter bias in games or studies. For example, girls may be told that certain sports or studies are not for them, while boys receive support and encouragement. This can happen at school, where teachers unconsciously favor one gender. With age, sexism can manifest itself in relationships at work, when women are not given equal opportunities for career advancement or their achievements are belittled. It is important to recognize these manifestations and speak out about them to combat bias and create a more equal society.

While studying at university, I often encountered support that seemed insincere. For example, when they said, “Look, this girl wrote a primitive algorithm. Let's support her!” It would be similar to a situation when someone says to someone, “Look, Masha writes without mistakes. This is amazing! Let's put her on the honor roll." In moments like these, I felt like I needed to prove my abilities and knowledge, which only made me want to be left alone.

Why You Shouldn't Be "Girly" at Work

Many people face discrimination when applying for a job. This manifests itself in various forms, including bias based on gender, race, or age. Discrimination can limit career opportunities and reduce trust in employers. It is important to realize that such practices are not only illegal but also negatively impact the work environment and productivity. Protecting your rights and seeking professional help are important steps for those facing such situations.

During interviews, I was often asked about my genuine interest in the job and whether I was just there for the "publicity". They wanted to make sure I was really a programmer, and not an Instagram blogger who only posted photos with a laptop. On the one hand, I understand their concern, but on the other, such questions took up a lot of my time. Part of the blame for this lies with me.

Why do you think so?

When I started working in a new team, I tried to behave reservedly and feminine. My goal was to avoid conflicts and not provoke a negative reaction from men. I understood that some of them might feel uncomfortable if they felt that a woman is superior in intellect to them. Unfortunately, such situations can lead to misunderstandings and even emotional outbursts.

Looking back, I realize that the image of a harmless girl, which was so deeply ingrained, turned out to be harmful for me. It's important to understand that regardless of your level of intelligence or your success, the way you perceive yourself is primarily shaped by how you view yourself.

Now, based on your accumulated experience, do you understand how to act in different situations?

In the workplace, it's important to present yourself as a professional who exhibits calm and confidence. Avoid stereotypical "girly" behavior, as this can negatively impact your career advancement. While colleagues may be friendly and supportive, don't expect to be perceived as equal to other professionals, for example, as a programmer. Professionalism and a serious approach to work will help earn respect and create a positive image in the eyes of others.

How to Break the Glass Ceiling

Does the glass ceiling exist or is it a myth? The question of the glass ceiling is relevant in modern society and touches on many areas, including career advancement and gender equality. The glass ceiling refers to invisible barriers that hinder the advancement of women and other underrepresented groups to senior positions in organizations. Research shows that this phenomenon does exist, as women often face barriers to leadership positions despite equal qualifications and experience. The glass ceiling issue requires attention and action to create a more equitable and inclusive work environment. We must continue to discuss and implement practices that will help break down these barriers and ensure equal opportunities for all.

I have not encountered any cases where women in equal positions with men received lower pay. However, another problem exists: women are often undervalued during interviews, even under equal conditions. This forces them to work harder to demonstrate their skills and competencies. Until the number of women in IT reaches the level of men, the situation will not change.

In my opinion, the glass ceiling does exist. If Petya and Alena have equal qualifications and are applying for a team lead position, Petya will likely be chosen. This is because he will be managing a team of men of varying ages, from 18 to 50. To fill this role, Alena needs to establish herself as an authority figure among all team members.

Alena possesses outstanding management skills, but if someone on the team doesn't take her seriously, this could hinder her career advancement. This issue requires women's attention when developing their self-presentation strategy. It's important to be able to demonstrate your achievements and confidence to gain recognition and respect from colleagues. Effective self-presentation helps improve your image and increases your chances of getting a promotion.

To work effectively and position yourself correctly, it's important to follow several key principles. First, you need to clearly define your goals and target audience. Understanding the needs and interests of your audience will help you create relevant content and establish trust.

Second, you should regularly update your knowledge and skills in your chosen field. This will allow you to remain competitive and relevant. Use various resources, such as courses, webinars, and professional communities, to stay up-to-date with the latest trends.

It's also important to actively promote your ideas and projects through available channels, such as social media, blogs, and specialized platforms. Creating high-quality content that will be interesting to your audience helps strengthen your image and increase your visibility in search engines.

Finally, don't forget the importance of networking. Networking with colleagues and thought leaders in your field can open up new opportunities and help advance your career. When working on your positioning, strive to remain authentic and consistent, which will ultimately lead to the successful promotion of your ideas and projects.

Don't hide your achievements. If you've achieved something significant or were part of an important event, share it. This is important not only for those around you, but also for yourself, to avoid devaluing your successes. Sharing your achievements builds self-confidence and creates a positive image.

The second important rule is to believe in yourself. For a long time, I believed that my DevOps and SRE skills were inferior to men's just because I was a woman. This is a misconception. Gender doesn't matter in the professional world, and it's important not to give in to doubts and not to dwell on your gender. Such thoughts can negatively impact your career growth and self-esteem. Confidence in your own abilities and knowledge is the key to success in any field, including DevOps and SRE.

I wrote a report on women in IT, in which I cited the results of a study conducted in the 1990s. The study confirmed that there is no significant difference between the cognitive abilities of women and men. If you feel like you can't do the intellectual work that a man does, it may be due to a lack of motivation or excessive self-criticism. It's important to understand your capabilities and not let stereotypes limit your potential in IT.

Colleagues joke about the difference in how men and women perceive criticism during code reviews. If a man is told his code is bad, he may perceive it as a signal to improve. For a woman, such criticism may be perceived as a personal attack, which can negatively affect her self-esteem. However, it's important to remember that constructive criticism is an opportunity to grow and improve your code. The key is to focus on solving the problem, not on personal experiences.

Questions about maternity leave are often asked during interviews. This is an important topic for potential employers, as they want to assess how an employee's absence may impact the team and work processes. Employers may want to know if you plan to take maternity leave again and how this will affect your career. To prepare for such questions, it's important to think about your answer in advance. You can emphasize your readiness for work and your desire to combine professional responsibilities and family. This approach will help create a positive impression and demonstrate your seriousness about the job.

When I joined the startup, I was already perceived as an experienced specialist, so such questions didn't arise. My colleagues were confident in my ability to handle the tasks assigned to me. The situation at CIAN was also high-quality—it's a large and reputable organization with a professional HR department, which created a comfortable environment for work and development.

Recently, I learned that some companies in Tomsk have a practice of not hiring women as testers and developers. This was caused by an event that occurred two years ago, when a developer at one of the companies began a romantic relationship with a tester. After their dismissal, accompanied by scandal, the company decided not to hire women for these positions. This raises serious questions about gender discrimination in IT and the need to create a more inclusive work environment where talent and professionalism should prevail over bias.

Passion, similar to those between Montague and Capulet. This eternal struggle, full of emotion and drama, is reflected in modern relationships. Conflict, love, and betrayal will always be relevant topics for discussion, inspiring both artists and writers. These feelings cross time and space, demonstrating how strong emotions can influence human destinies.

It is recommended to avoid companies with inadequate management and questionable life principles, especially at the beginning of a career. It is important for young professionals to gain experience and develop in a professional environment where their efforts are valued and growth is encouraged. Instead of facing misunderstandings and negative influence from colleagues, it is better to choose a company that offers a supportive atmosphere and training opportunities. Choosing the right employer at the beginning of your career will help you avoid unnecessary stress and focus on developing your skills.

To distinguish a reliable company from an unreliable one, pay attention to several key factors. The first thing to check is the company's reputation. Study customer reviews and ratings on specialized platforms. Reliable companies usually have positive reviews and high ratings.

The second important aspect is registration and licenses. Make sure the company is registered and has all the necessary licenses to operate. This ensures that it complies with legal norms and regulations.

The third factor is transparency. Reliable companies openly provide information about their services, prices, and terms of cooperation. Look for contact information, including a phone number and address.

Also, consider the level of service. If the company's employees are ready to answer your questions and provide complete information, this indicates a high level of service.

Finally, choose a company based on its reputation, legality, transparency, and level of service. These factors will help you make an informed choice.

It is important to discuss the company's corporate culture and its development methods with HR. CIAN, for example, has clearly defined rules prohibiting insults between employees. Criticism should be constructive, which contributes to a healthy atmosphere in the team. The company also has established rules for resolving conflicts, which helps maintain productive interactions.

I understand employers and HR specialists who are interested in the issue of maternity leave. Hiring an IT specialist is a significant expense, and if an employee goes on maternity leave, the company will again have to invest time and resources in finding a new specialist. The problem is not the maternity benefits provided by the state, but the need to rehire and the associated costs.

Ask about maternity leave during an interview is considered inappropriate. Such questions may indicate that the company is having problems recruiting and is trying to save on employees. If you are asked about maternity leave, this may be a signal for reflection on the quality of the HR department of this organization.

How gender stereotypes in IT affect relationships with men

There are certain stereotypes about the appearance of women working in the information technology field. It's often assumed that women in IT must fit the "geek" image—wearing glasses, sportswear, and a passion for technology. However, the reality is that IT is a diverse group of professionals with different styles and preferences. It's important to understand that this industry prioritizes professionalism and skills over appearance. Stereotypes can limit the perception of women in IT and hinder their advancement. Therefore, it's worth focusing on talents and achievements, not appearance.

There's a stereotype that attractive women can't be programmers, but this myth is gradually being dispelled. When I talk about my profession without makeup, in a comfortable sweatshirt and sneakers, people process the information more easily. However, when they see me in a dress, heels, and makeup, they have a conflict of perception. They often notice that I don't fit their idea of a typical IT professional. This stereotype shows how important it is to change your perspective on your profession and overcome biases in the IT field.

At first, this boosted my self-esteem: being attractive, well-groomed, and smart was pleasant. However, such conversations soon began to irritate me. Every time I met a new person, I had to confirm the qualities already listed in my work record. This became unpleasant and tiring.

Conversations between drunk men at a bar often cause irritation. In such situations, it is best to avoid unnecessary words. I have a rule: when meeting people at informal events, do not discuss work. This helps avoid unnecessary topics and unpleasant conversations, allowing you to focus on more interesting and pleasant aspects of communication.

The question of whether it is worth discussing your profession in relationships with guys is relevant for many. Communicating about careers can help partners better understand each other and create a deeper connection. Discussing professions allows you to learn about each other's goals, ambitions, and interests, which helps build trust and respect in the relationship.

It's important to remember that talking about work can be both positive and negative. Partners can share successes and challenges in their professional lives, which can help maintain emotional intimacy. However, it's best to avoid discussing this topic too frequently or obsessively, so as not to create tension.

Therefore, discussing work in relationships with guys is not only possible but also beneficial if approached with understanding and respect for each other's interests.

I'm married to a developer who already holds the position of team lead. We both work in the same field, so we have no problem understanding each other. However, if I were single and met a man outside of IT, I would be very careful about discussing my profession. In Russia, many men still feel inferior if a woman earns more or is more knowledgeable about something. This is worth considering if you're interested in a guy from a different industry.

Guys who don't work in the industry sometimes seek to assert themselves at the expense of their partners. That's why my friends and acquaintances prefer to build relationships with people in IT, as they feel more confident and comfortable in such relationships.

In the CIS countries and Russia, men are traditionally taught from an early age to be smarter, stronger, and earn more than women. However, this approach has become outdated and hasn't reflected modern realities for over twenty years. It's important to understand that gender stereotypes not only limit women's opportunities but also suppress men's potential. Modern society demands equality and cooperation, where both the mental and physical qualities of each person, regardless of gender, are valued.

The IT environment is often perceived as intellectual and highly skilled. When a woman works in IT and a man doesn't, he may feel insecure. This is a common social problem that requires attention. It's important to work with men so they can feel comfortable accepting themselves, regardless of their profession, and focus on what they truly enjoy. Creating a supportive atmosphere in the IT community can foster healthier relationships and understanding between partners, regardless of their professional background.

If you're considering a move into IT, the key is to not be afraid to take the first step. You can start at any age, but the earlier the better, as this will allow you to more quickly adapt and develop in this dynamic field. Learning the basics of programming, participating in online courses, and developing your own projects will help you gain the necessary skills and confidence. I also recommend finding like-minded people, connecting with professionals, and participating in IT-related communities. This will give you the opportunity to share experiences and receive support. Remember that IT values not only technical knowledge but also creativity, analytical thinking, and teamwork. The key is to take action and not rest on your laurels.

Age is not a deciding factor when choosing a new profession, especially in IT. The key is the resources you are willing to dedicate to learning and mastering the necessary skills. The IT industry offers many benefits, including high stability and a competitive salary, but success will require significant effort and hard work. Entering this field requires persistence, a willingness to learn, and continuous development. Only then will you be able to secure the position you desire and feel confident about the future.

It's not only in IT that hard work and dedication are required. If I decide to become an accountant, I will also need to put in the effort. It all depends on the time and mental resources you are willing to invest in your education. Success in any profession requires constant development and self-improvement.

I excelled in math and physics at school, but I had no experience whatsoever with programming. I remember spending an entire weekend on a simple problem in Pascal. There is a certain threshold of time and effort that must be overcome in order to adapt your brain to programming. This point is important to keep in mind when you start writing your first code.

If you work on a task for two days and don't succeed, don't worry. Failure doesn't reflect your abilities or intelligence. Even the most experienced professors sometimes face unsolvable problems. The brain needs time to rethink and find a new approach. Be prepared to invest several months in learning and development, and remember: the results of this process will definitely justify the effort.

Contents:

Why You Shouldn't Be "Girly" at Work

How to Break the Glass Ceiling

How gender stereotypes in IT affect relationships with men