Introduction

Hey lovelies,

There’s this common myth about gender disparity in tech, do you know of it?
It’s the Feeling That Women in Tech Aren’t as Skilled as Their Male Counterparts, the Perception That Women in Tech Have to Compete with Each Other for Limited Opportunities, Assumption That Tech Jobs Don’t Offer a Work-Life Balance for Women and the Misconception That Women in Tech Are a Minority and Not a Significant Presence.
But let me ask you—do you believe in these misconceptions? As for me, I don’t, and that’s why I’m determined to be unique no matter what. And so should you.

Let’s take a closer look at these myths about women in tech…

Myth 1: Women Aren’t for Tech

I don’t know if you are familiar with this myth, but a lot of people believe that tech roles are for men, and that women are just meant to be bakers, tailors, and so on.
However, women have been involved in tech since its early days. Ada Lovelace, the world’s first computer programmer, and Grace Hopper, who developed the first compiler, are just two examples of women who have made significant contributions to technology. Today, countless women are pursuing careers in tech, from software engineering to cybersecurity, and am proudly one.
If they could achieve so much in technology, why would you think it’s not for you? It’s time to cast aside this obsolete belief and recognize that tech is for you, me and everyone!

Myth 2: Women in Tech Aren’t as Skilled as Their Male Counterparts

Hmm…, is this true? are we less competent? I don’t think so.
Skill and competence are not determined by gender. Women in tech are as skilled and capable as men. The difference often lies in the opportunities and support they receive. Women face different challenges in the tech field, but these challenges are not indicative of their abilities. Many studies show that diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones, highlighting the value women bring to tech.
Consider this: if women can excel in various fields and bring unique perspectives to technology, why would their skills be any less? Skill isn’t about gender—it’s about ability and passion right??

Myth 3: Women in Tech Have to Compete with Each Other for Limited Opportunities

The tech industry thrives on collaboration, not competition.
While it’s true that there are systemic barriers that can make it seem like opportunities are scarce, the solution is to build supportive networks and communities, mentorship programs, women-in-tech groups, and inclusive company cultures to foster collaboration and career growth.

Myth 4: Tech Jobs Are Not for Women Who Want a Work-Life Balance

The idea that tech careers are incompatible with a healthy work-life balance is outdated, very outdated! Many tech companies are recognizing the importance of flexibility and are implementing policies to support all employees, regardless of gender by offering flexibility, remote work, and family-friendly policies.
If the job doesn’t fit your life, you can often find or create a role that does. So, why let this myth dictate your career choices?

Myth 5: Women in Tech Are a Minority and Not a Significant Presence

Do you feel that women in tech are just a small minority with minimal impact?
While women may be underrepresented in certain tech areas, they make up a significant portion of the workforce. Viewing women as a minority overlooks their substantial presence and contributions. Efforts should focus on increasing support and visibility rather than reinforcing their perceived insignificance.

Conclusion

Debunking these myths is just the beginning, the journey towards growth and leadership in tech lies in the hands of women. It’s about stepping forward, being seen, and asking, “If not me, then who?

If you’ve read my first blog, I shared how I ventured into the tech world. Initially, I didn’t realize that tech was such a competitive field where women are often underestimated or seen as not fully grounded in the industry. It wasn’t until I started sharing my interest in tech or when people saw me coding that I began to notice their surprise and comments like, “Wow, a female coding in tech!” I was left wondering why they taught tech was such a big deal. It made me realize there’s a noticeable gap between men and women in the tech world.

Instead of letting this diminish my self-esteem, it actually boosted it. I gained respect from those who saw me coding and recognized my skills.

The lesson here is that if you’re passionate about something, don’t let outdated perceptions hold you back. Use them as motivation to excel and prove that your place in tech is as valid and impactful as anyone else’s.