Gender Equality: A Work in Progress

[smurfgirl]

Originally Posted by 346CADmen

I can't imagine what is holding ladies back in FIRST, except maybe themselves.

I vehemently disagree with this statement. There are multiple studies about women in the STEM fields, women in executive roles, etc. which show that women are not the ones holding themselves back - the problem stems from widespread cultural issues. Attitudes like the one above are part of the problem, since they perpetuate the idea that if women just try harder it will solve all of the problems they face.

Edit: This is why I mentioned the importance of the attitude and approach of mentors/leadership/authority figures in my first post in this thread. The culture established and supported by an organization's leadership plays a big role in whether women (and minorities) are welcomed and can thrive, or are discouraged and pushed away.