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There are many great points listed here. I have a slightly different perspective... as a male mentor on a very small (~12) all girls frc team I see things similar and differently. In the absence of boys we still have some 'timid' girls in terms of the shop equipment, but they are all trained and strongly encouraged to use it. In terms of design concepts, using cad, math etc, they are all very willing to share ideas, opinions and use the engineering tools. The biggest hurdle we are still trying to overcome is the interactions at competition. We have actually been told by a judge that highlighting 'all girls' is hurting our chances for an award. Attempts to talk strategy with alliance members often are a no win situation: be told to do something you are not capable of doing and 1) fail trying which hurts the alliance or 2) speak up to explain your position and be shunned for being obstinate or moody or not a team player or just plain a b#&+@.
There are certainly exceptions, but for the most part larger cultural changes are required for improvements. Posts like this can be the beginning of a grass roots movement that reaches lots of our young STEM up and comers.
Best of luck in the last few weeks of competition.
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