[quantumhobbit]

The importance of trailblazers cannot be overstated.

My wife is a surgeon. Surgery twenty years ago was far more sexist than IT ever was. But in medical school she was taught by some incredibly badass female surgeons who dealt with far worse sexism than bad jokes. They inspired her to be a surgeon while most of her peer went into pediatrics.

Surgery can still be sexist. While interviewing for residency, my then fiance was advised to take off her engagement ring. Apparently some programs won't hire a woman they think will take time off for pregnancy. But it is getting a lot better. Her current residency class is majority female.

IT needs some badass women who can ignore the sexism and just write awesome code. It is the only way to change the culture.