Three women out of 20 (four, if you count my black MacBook in front) in a random slice of CES isn’t necessarily a bad thing

I’ve got a million things to do tonight (still haven’t changed out of my sweaty gym clothes, come to think of it), but I just wanted to write a brief something on a blog post by Vikki Chowney, which I saw RTed on Twitter.

I’ve always been hesitant to wade into the debate about women in technology – not least because I think it’s a non-issue. There are also some pretty disgusting, vocal women constantly harping on about it, turning it into an issue, which makes actual women working in technology even less inclined to get involved in the discussion. And further distances tech-hopefuls from entering the industry, for fear of them.

Anyway, to get back to Vikki’s post – I’ve never met her, but what she wrote about the topic is exactly what I’ve been thinking for some time now. To paraphrase:

“Well, it’s taken me a long time to work that out (for most of which I felt guilty for not being more supportive). First and foremost, I never liked the idea of separating the sexes – one rule for one, another for the other. When you’re trying to promote the notion of equality, dividing people into two groups only enhances the notion that they should be treated differently. If you take men out of the picture, you could be taking the best talent out of the equation. You might be at the top of your game, but only in part.”

Sure, I can see more women may be needed in the tech industry. But that’s the way the buttered toast falls. The issue of more men needed in teaching is far greater in need of addressing, I think. There’s no point ensuring every tech company has 50 per cent women, if more knowledgeable and experienced men are missing out on employment. That’s not fair on either side.

“Looking at women in tech here, there’s a distinct split. There are those who play on what’s perceived to be typically female traits – giggly, happy-go-lucky excitement – and those who strive to rebel against this, sometimes to the point of being sensationalist. I don’t disagree with either approach; I just don’t fit into either group.”

I’ve met both sides, which is one reason why I don’t frequent press events as much as I used to. The latter group of women exist in every industry I’m sure, but when some of them are banging on about women needing to support each other more, then actually doing the exact opposite themselves, actually makes them look like right fools. I don’t think they realise how damaging they’re being to themselves, and others.

The former group is perhaps the less dangerous – indeed, they’re far less acidic – but still manage to damage the reputation of women within the industry.

I’d prefer to just stay out of it, and like Vikki, get on with what I’m doing. If you take your eyes off the game and glance around at what everyone else is doing, then you’re just going to get more burnt out and exasperated, sooner.

Next month marks five years of me writing online professionally, with about four of those years within the tech industry. I’d like to think that the above notion has put me on good stead for the years ahead, but after this last paragraph I’m going to go back to putting my head in the sand when it comes to women within the tech industry. Especially before I venture into the whole “working online or running a website doesn’t mean you work in technology” pit of frustration.

Now, to change out of these gym clothes and get back to addressing these bloody wedding invitations that have been blocking out every evening of the past week.