Girls Can’t Be Programmers

Posted by: sam on January 18, 2007 |

Hello,
I am being told almost every single day at the university that girls shouldnt be programmers. They can’t do it. They dont have what it takes. and then they say, that I am one of the “rare kind” that doesnt count. It bothers me and it bothers me A LOT to be in a classroom that the teacher praises the guys in and if a some girls make a mistake, its a joke. I have spoken to several staff members but nothing has solved the problem. The thing is, it is true what the teachers say, in my country the girls just want to graduate and thats it. So, they sign up their classes with easy going professors and they do succeed.

I signed up my classes with the tougher teachers and I am emotionaly suffering with their attitude towards women programmers. Several have told me that they would rather teach a class full of boys then have some girls in their. I know they dont mean me, but it still bothers me and I would like to do something about it. I am popular among staff and a board member at a programming club (the only girl, the rest are guys) and I can start something at the university, I just need help in starting something good. Something that will change the girls and will also change the teachers’ attitude towards them.
Thank you.

Sam

17 Responses to “Girls Can’t Be Programmers”

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  1. 1. gretchen Says:
    January 19th, 2007 at 2:54 pm

    Sam - welcome to Girls Can’t WHAT? I can fully appreciate your situation. What country are you from?  And what programming languages are you studying?

  2. 2. Amy Stephen Says:
    January 19th, 2007 at 3:40 pm

    Maybe they have not heard of Grace Hopper?

    I am a “programmer” and have been one for 25 years. If I heard that in college, I would be very discouraged and angry. When you hear that message, don’t let it harm you. Instead, realize this is their problem and their ignorance. Just because someone says it does not make it true. Take each of these messages as personal challenges to be better prepared for your role as a programmer.

    I am sorry you have to endure such small mindedness. However, you are joining a rich group of smart programming women - you are not alone. Not even close!

  3. 3. Sam Says:
    January 19th, 2007 at 10:07 pm

    Hello Gretchen,
    I am at University in Kuwait and I study various programming languages, like C, C++, Java (as an Object Oriented Prog. Lang) and we worked on Prolog, ada and a few others in some subjects only. Most of our work is done in C though.

    Amy, I have never heard of her! Ever since I got into college I have been under this pressure, even in my math classes, but I read about Hypatia and she amazes me.

    The thing about my problem is confusing. Because teachers usually complain about girls everywhere. In my case, girls in our society, are always shopping and on the phone. They are very spoiled and its not surprising if you find one that is in college and has never done her bed or cooked herself an omelet. So, the teachers are pretty angry about that, and by the way the computer science staff is 100% males, the math department has a few women professors.

    I really want to change this. Its become very stressful for me, I am in my third year now and since I am able to do something at this stage, I want to do something great that will involve the girls and impress the teachers. Thanks girls.

  4. 4. missfashionusa1 Says:
    January 21st, 2007 at 10:19 am

    omg i think im gonna cry!

  5. 5. Selby Minner Says:
    January 22nd, 2007 at 6:05 pm

    cceed in the more male departments of sculpture and ceramics…
    Find your allies who believe in you and will support you. Other women or some rare more considerate - and smarter men. You will have to be better than the men to get the same respect, but you can do it. Use your ‘in spote of’ energy - let their negativity fire you up to a higher level of commitment. You GO GIRL!!
    Selby

  6. 6. Sam Says:
    January 23rd, 2007 at 9:10 pm

    Thanks for your support. I am considering organizing something, but I the problem is, I want something that will help the girls change too. Its become depressing for me and I dont know how long I can hold up. I’ve been fighting back for the past three years and I dont want another “girl nerd” to go through what I did. seriously I want to cry too!

  7. 7. gretchen Says:
    January 25th, 2007 at 2:41 pm

    Sam - I found an article I thought you might find interesting:

    http://freshmeat.net/articles/view/145/ :)

  8. 8. Sam Says:
    January 29th, 2007 at 12:44 am

    Thanks Gretchen, I am reading it now… Seems very interesting!
    Also, I wanted to let you know, I would like to plan something - an event - for ladies only, at the computer science department. I can arrange it as part of the club i am in, with the guys. Our club supervisor would support me on that, but I need a plan.
    Do you or anyone else have previous experiences about these kinds of events? I was thinking of maybe showing a movie - computer related, with free pizza.. after a speech/pep talk from me to them about women in tech.. Ideas anyone? I want something that will change them - not overnight of course, but I want to start something different. Thanks all, you have been great to me.

  9. 9. gretchen Says:
    February 4th, 2007 at 11:50 pm

    Sam - that sounds like a really good start. Just keep building a network one person at a time. You are right that it will not happen overnight. Keep working at it and keep us posted! :)

  10. 10. LornaJane Says:
    February 5th, 2007 at 4:00 am

    Hello Sam. I totally sympathise with your situation as a female minority in a male-dominated and male-taught subject as I graduated from York University in Electronic Engineering where girls were about 5% of the intake. Seeing women perpetuating the negative perceptions is beyond exasperating I know, but I’m afraid that is a battle that is hard to win. Some women will behave that way.

    I love your idea of supporting the people around you who are in the same situation. Pizza and a geeky movie sounds perfect :) I don’t know if you will need to prepare a formal talk or just set up something more casual. Women are drawn to non-threatening and collaborative environments, why not ask each attendee to bring some food (always a good ice-breaker), put the film on and then go round and introduce yourselves after the film ends. I suspect you may find that the conversation naturally turns to that which you have in common - your technical interests - and you can “pep talk” attendees as the opportunity arises :)

    This is just my suggestion, let us know what you try and how you get on. I admire your drive and determination not only for yourself to succeed from this difficult position, but also to smooth the path for others who follow. I wish you every success, do let us know how you are getting on.

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