What is it like to be a woman in technology? I’ll give you a hint: it has to do with being called a bossy know-it-all.
Being an advocate requires a great amount of perseverance. While the rewards are numerous, and I can honestly say that the benefits outweigh the risks, it can be very challenging to maintain integrity and motivation to continue fighting the good fight.
And you know what? It isn’t just the women in technology that deal with this. Even male advocates experience this backlash.
My husband was attempting to help a family member deal with a crisis. He was advocating for these 2 children. While speaking on their behalf, he angered his brother greatly. “You’re just one of those know-it-alls who don’t know nothing,” he said. When you stand up and defend those who cannot defend themselves, then you become a know-it-all.
Women in Technology: Advocacy is a Challenge
I realize that many of the challenges I have experienced throughout my life, especially those in my early nursing career (lateral violence), have been because I am often interpreted as arrogant and a know-it-all.
In reality, I am very much aware that I don’t know everything. I thirst for knowledge, and despite the fact that I do not enjoy school, I will likely be pursuing some form of higher education for the rest of my life. It’s that hunger for knowledge, and the desire to share it with the world, that makes me a good advocate. But to those that don’t understand this about it, it makes me an arrogant know-it-all. And the fact that I’m a woman… well, that’s just icing on the cake.
Women in Tech Are Strong Passionate Women
Please, if you are interested in technology, go for it! Find someone you can look up to and if you are so lucky, let them mentor you.
A very good friend of mine has 3 masters degrees, supports herself, helps her family pay their mortgages, donates to charity, and is currently putting 16 of her cousins, nieces, and nephews through college. She is an advocate for many things. She is passionate, strong, bold and opinionated. She has worked hard for her position in life, and I wonder just how often someone tries to disparage her for it. How often is she called a know-it-all? Despite all the great deeds she does, all the humanity she has, how giving of herself she is, I know that people still try to find the tiniest flaw and pick it apart.
Do Men In Technology Face the Same Thing?
I sometimes wonder if I would have fewer difficulties with this if I were a man. I find myself telling people, half-jokingly, “I’m so glad I had a boy. Can you imagine what a man in this world with my drive will be able to accomplish?”And I know I can’t live vicariously through Ty. The boundaries for women are more open than ever, but I still always question if I would be treated the same in regards to my passion and advocacy if I were a male. Would I have more opportunities? Would I be taken more seriously? Would I be treated with more respect?
Even Father’s Fight Strong Daughters
I question this often when my father tells me I need to “Know my place in this world.” I question it when he tells me “You make more money than me, you don’t need any help.” I question it when he fights me for the home my mother left me. Would it be any different if I were a man? Would he make fewer remarks about my spouse staying home and raising our son if I were a male, the traditional breadwinner, and my husband was a female? Would he stop making me feel like the path we have chosen is the wrong one?
Women in Tech Are Shattering Glass Ceilings
The glass ceiling is slowly disappearing. Men ages 18-34 have a higher unemployment rate now than ever. It is not uncommon for them to stay at home with the children when the wife can earn an income that can support the family. In fact, there are quite a few SAHD bloggers, who write about the challenges they face as males taking on this traditional female roles. It’s interesting to see their perspective on the challenges of raising children. Stay at home parents have the hardest job of anyone, and the deserve the utmost respect for raising our future. Not to disrespect working parents, but there is a reason why child care is so expensive, and it’s because its HARD work.
Strong Ladies in Technology
Women have accomplished so much in such a short amount of time. I have many powerful and passionate female friends who are advocates, thought leaders, and positive influences in society. @GirlMeetsGeeks is one of the most inspiring women. She motivates me to refrain from thinking about the hurdles and think about the finish line. I am so glad to know them and thankful for their passion.
To the advocates of this world, especially the women, it’s a hard road to walk. Thank you for walking it and walking it hard.
More About Technology in Nursing
We need more strong women in tech. Here is some information that will help you continue your career and go after your dreams of working in nursing and technology.
- Health Informatics – Is Tech Improving Health Care?
- How to Take Your Computer Less Seriously
- Best Vein Finder Lights and How They Work
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