Jean MacDonald on Gender Equality in Tech

Jean MacDonald wrote up her thoughts on the inevitable progress toward gender equality in technology at iMore.

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Discrimination still exists in this field and likely will exist for some time. But I don’t get discouraged by the terrible stories circulating in the news on harassment and workplace discrimination. I don’t get frustrated with well-meaning but clueless commenters who think the status quo reflects innate gender differences. Instead, I’m spurred on to redouble my own efforts to make the future better.

I challenge you to do the same and make a specific effort to improve the ratio. Supporting company policies that encourage the hiring and retention of women is a good start. Setting aside some money for an organization that supports girls in technology can also make an impact. I also have a simple suggestion: Take a look at the people whose opinions influence you online. Try following a few more women on Twitter or subscribing to their podcasts.

— Jean MacDonald

I’d add that this stuff doesn’t just happen automatically. It takes hard work and Jean is leading the charge. She quit her job to open her own non-profit, App Camp for Girls, that is doing some amazing work. I am a contributor and I’d encourage you to do so too.