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I got 99 problems and gender is one

By Tobi Ayeni
06 February 2016   |   8:50 am
Abeg, ppl who are actually technologically inclined should be left to do their job. Not some girl that doesn't really even know her way around a phone.  The comment above is one of the many comments I receive because of my chosen career path. Contrary to the popular belief, women in tech don’t have it…

Abeg, ppl who are actually technologically inclined should be left to do their job. Not some girl that doesn’t really even know her way around a phone. 

The comment above is one of the many comments I receive because of my chosen career path. Contrary to the popular belief, women in tech don’t have it easy because of their gender. I’ve heard people pin MissTechy’s growth on my gender and not the strategies I employed.  This is my 2 cents on what it is like being a woman in tech.  

THE UNFORTUNATE TRUTH

Techy 1

You can’t eat your cake and have it.

THE GIRLS CLUB VERSUS THE BOYS CLUB

Whether we like it or not, we have the girls club and the boys club with different rules applying to both clubs. More than 50% of women in tech who spend a lot of time trying to fit into the boys club hardly fit in the girls.

Therefore all the strategies that made you survive as a woman in tech in the male dominated world almost becomes useless in the girls club.

THE “YOU ARE A GIRL, WHAT DO YOU KNOW” MENTALITY

I think one of the most difficult parts of being a woman in tech is trying to prove that you have what it takes to survive in a technical environment. I have seen instances where people already set you up for failure in their minds because of your gender. The Society we are in today has also made some men believe that a woman shouldn’t be considered as a competitor especially when it comes to tech related issues. When we allow that sink into our head, it affects us negatively.

THE LONELINELESS
The loneliness syndrome

..Because the environment doesn’t really encourage women participating in technology, there is a very small, select group of women that you can relate with concerning tech related issues, this can make everything seem so lonely and boring

THE FORTUNATE TRUTH: You are actually NOT alone
MissTechy

The truth is there are so many women in tech that are making an impact in the world today, so never think you are alone. Another awesome truth is that there are a lot of people (both men and women) out there that can encourage you to keep going and will hold you to the same high standard as everyone else, you just need to connect with them (SheLeadsAfrica, WomenInTechAfrica and others) and do away with those that will continually depreciate your efforts.

Results Matter and are Powerful

You get valued when you give value.

News flash: awesome results do matter. Creating something phenomenal will make you stand out regardless of your gender. So ensure you get results, trust me that is all that matters.

Being a Woman in Tech is a Competitive Advantage
I can’t remember how many times my tech skills have opened doors for me (P.S. It even helped me secure a job). Whether the men like it or not, being a woman in tech gives you a rich and deep understanding that sets you apart even from the men.

Technology is Awesome
Being a woman in tech means being able to join in on the fun of creating things that will make people’s lives better. How awesome is that?

What’s it like being a woman working in the tech industry? It’s passionate work, and not because you’re a woman, but because you want to leave your mark like everyone else and that takes talent, determination, patience, and curiosity — regardless of your chromosomes.

Misstechy 2Tobi Ayeni is the founder of MissTechy.com, Nigeria’s female tech blog. She is a banking and finance graduate with a deeply rooted passion for technology.

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