Hello all, In the past several weeks I've received a number of friendly emails (off-list) which all have "women in python" as the theme. For instance:
1. Several people have forwarded me a link to pyLadies, a female programmers group. 2. Several people have asked me why more women don't attend SeaPIG meetings. [I don't know.] 3. Several people have pointed out to me that women are grossly under-represented in (a) programming generally, (b) python programming in particular, and (c) python startups in particular. I think this conversation is better taken to the list, but I am grateful to each person who sent me something, for their thoughtfulness. So here are the points I would like to raise that come to mind as a result of these emails: 1. People at SeaPIG have always treated me like a programmer (which I appreciate) and not like a "female programmer" (as though that were different than a regular programmer). Thank you. I have no complaints myself about SeaPIG and therefore would not feel comfortable spearheading any effort to address the lack of women at SeaPIG meetings. 2. If someone has not felt welcome at a SeaPIG meeting for reason of sex, race, ethnicity, religious views, sexual preference, or other factors irrelevant to programming, or any reason, really, that person should please speak to someone about it so that the organization can make a correction. 3. I don't know why there are so few women coming to our meetings. You would have to find those women who are *not* coming and ask them. So anyone who is concerned about this matter: if you know a woman who used to come to SeaPIG meetings and no longer does, please ask her why. If you know women who program or might like to program, perhaps consider inviting these women to SeaPIG meetings. In this way, each person who wishes for a better gender balance can have an impact. 4. My philosophy is best expressed by Gandhi's statement that we should be the change that we seek. The change I would like to see is that all people in the world can be free to pursue the work that is their heart's desire, whether that be python programming or something else, and that there not be any segregation or restriction based on irrelevant factors. As a result, I am not interested in programs or organizations which are exclusive (i.e., women's groups, for example). Personally, I'm a humanist, not a feminist. 5. SeaPIG is a community, so I think it will work best if each person in the community would take some action, however, small, toward those goals which are important to themselves and the community. So, for instance, here are some things which have been discussed off-list and/or on-list which could turn into community efforts if there is interest and a willingness to actively participate: a. If you think gender balance is important, please find women to invite to the meetings. b. If you or someone you know feels treated badly at SeaPIG meetings let's discuss that and resolve it. c. If you want another PyDay, please consider what you can contribute to making it happen and start a committee of like-minded people. Not knowing how to do it is not an excuse. There are plenty of people around who can share knowledge if others contribute some elbow grease. d. If you want to create or join a startup, consider forming a group of like-minded individuals who can serve as a support circle for each other. Again, you don't have to have answers or expertise, just a common destination. Start discussing it on the list and it can move off list when it gets organized, if it turns out not to be of general interest. e. If you want more meetings with good talks or mini-talks, then please start preparing one. You don't have to be an expert, you just have to know something (or learn something) which is of interest to others. I've learned something interesting at every talk I've attended. Thanks to everyone who took the time to prepare a talk. I'm not complaining about anything or advocating any particular change for SeaPIG. I'm just trying to say: if you have a vision of what SeaPIG should be like, please don't hesitate to consider what actions you might take to contribute to that. Thanks for your patience. Back to programming.... :-) -Melissa ----- Dr. Melissa Rice, PhD Full Moon Technical Solutions, LLC 14202 60th Ave, NW Stanwood, WA 98292-4808 email: mailto:[email protected] phone: 360-654-0709 cell: 425-923-7713
