Nevertheless, She Coded.

by dev.to staff

In spite of ongoing activism efforts to shatter the glass ceiling and raise awareness about gendered discrimination across fields, women face continued pay disparity, workplace harassment, and often little recognition for their contributions to their industries. Today, The Practical Dev stands in solidarity with the many women and non-binary individuals in our community for International Women’s Day.

Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) had arrived on the Senate floor on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2017 to debate the confirmation of attorney general nominee Jeff Sessions. To make her stand, Sen. Warren had brought with her a letter written by Coretta Scott King, the widow of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. However, before she could finish reading King’s rebuke, Sen. Warren was silenced by Republican leaders.

“Sen. Warren was giving a lengthy speech,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, later defending the action. “She had appeared to violate the rule. She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted.” That phrase has since been reappropriated as synonymous with the ongoing fight for equality and social justice. And it’s an apt metaphor for the same silencing that’s been present throughout the history of women in computer science.

Gender inequality has permeated the technology and computer science fields since their earliest beginnings. Coders of all stripes are familiar with the many manifestations of gendered oppression in tech. But make no mistake—without the contributions of women coders past and present, we would be nowhere near where we are today.

On this day, we acknowledge the achievements of the women of our own community, many of whom continue to face inequality and oppression in our field. We would like to take this day to commend those accomplishments and stand with women as they make their voices heard.

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