08/10/2010 04:03:20 AM EST

Has it occurred to anyone that women are simply less interested in this? I mean GOD, why are we not doing this for coal miners? I'm sure there are not enough women in coal mines. We should sponsor them to start working there too. Because right now, it seems like coal mining is "boys' club" By treating women differently, you're also sexist. Reverse discrimination anyone? Women should be treated equally, and prove themselves the same way as their male colleagues. Yes, there will be sexist behaviour by the few sexist bastards, but they are sexist bastards in real life too, there's nothing you can do about it. You can't change their way of thinking anyway, so why bother with them?

Croatiadr. Hannibal Lecter

08/17/2010 01:12:00 PM EST

Thank you for this article. Isolation is indeed a key deterent in women being discouraged from a career in programming. And the other things listed -especially higher standards expected from women. I feel like as a female software engineer people expect me to look something like the Girl with the Dragon tattoo - and be all tough and never make mistakes - if I do it's a testimant to why I shouldn't be there. I've always been skilled and interested in science and engineering from a young age and have a BS degree in Computer Engineering from a nationally ranked university. But not only have I never been encouraged to pursue engineering by family, teachers - I would say I've been downright discouraged "don't you know programmers have to be smart" etc. etc. I figured out these comments stem from people who have issues of their own, but the general attitude gets old. Even in a lot of workplaces, not being invited to lunch when all my (male) coworkers go together or excluded what's going on with projects, company business, just being unfriendly in general.. And comments like the above I'd like to think are just from some random ass, but it defintely represents feedback I've heard again and again... it really gets old. Why do these articles bother people so much? A lot of people are under the impression that women and minorities receive special treatment in underrrepresented fields. It's absolutely NOT true - in fact very much the opposite, there is so much skepticism of my skills and qualifications for no reason. I'm a software engineer because I'm good at what I do and enjoy it - so stop trying to convince me I don't belong here.

United StatesChrissy

08/18/2010 03:47:33 PM EST

"Has it occurred to anyone that women are simply less interested in this?" Yes, and been refuted. Thanks for being the 5,189,342nd person to ask though!

United StatesMackenzie

11/07/2010 06:05:36 AM EST

I haven't met too many female programmers, maybe they are less interested. After all programming is a very laborious job like machining in a metal workshop. Just because there are women programmer in the industry doesn't mean generally they are interested it. Despite lack of female programmers, I'm sure those who are interested are just as good as their male counterpart.

AustraliaGerson