Maybe you have noticed the discussion regarding diversity in the tech industry lately. No? Really? I’m pretty sure you have read something about it. Either the cancellation of The British Ruby Conference or the discussion lately around Edge.
There is one thing about this that concerns me and that is after reading several articles, comments, tweets etc. It seems like the general opinion is that diversity is good and we all (most of us) want it. But, and this is where I have a problem, we do not want to do anything to achieve it. It’s bad trying to get a variation of people cause somehow that equals not getting the best people. Tech events for women are discrimination. I’ve been in involved in some tech events for women and whoa, the negative comments you get. In general most of the things that people suggest doing to improve the diversity are criticized.
This is the thing I do not get. How can it make sense to want something but at the same time not wanting to do anything to achieve it? It’s just like this story my dad once told me about a lady who really wanted to be good at playing the piano. She was asked if she wanted to take some lessons. No, she said, absolutely not, I just want to wake up one day and be really good at playing. People you know what? The world doesn’t work like that. If we want something we need to work for it.
It’s why this year I will try to do my share of changing things. Cause yep, I actually do believe in diversity as well and as a woman I feel like I need to step up. Especially when harassment like what happened to Iris is still around. For me this means that I will continue to tweet and blog. I’ve also said yes to speak at a local meetup. The last thing is something I’ve always said no to in the past since I felt like I was being asked simply because I’m a girl and not because somebody thought I actually had something to say. This year I will stop saying no. I’m going to try speaking now and I think it’s going to be good.
That’s great news, Ida. I had a similar change of feelings about a year ago, where I realised that if I wasn’t trying to change the situation, then I was probably part of the problem.
I genuinely believe that very few speakers are chosen solely based on whether they’re a man or a woman. No conference/meetup organiser would be foolish enough choose someone who wasn’t capable just to satisfy a quota or their conscience.
Keep it up 🙂
Thank you! That is exactly how I feel and I certainly do not want to be part of the problem. Will try my best to keep it up!