Women in Engineering: Harassment, Isolation & Perseverance

Challenges Faced by Women in Engineering

Female engineers frequently encounter professional and career obstacles not typically experienced by their male counterparts. This disparity stems from their underrepresentation within the engineering field, with women holding only 13% to 25% of engineering positions, depending on the specific metrics used.

This imbalance in representation often fosters a power dynamic that can contribute to the development of unfavorable and even harmful work environments.

The Uber Case and its Impact

A particularly well-known and disturbing instance of these challenges is the experience of Susan Fowler while at Uber. In February 2017, she publicly detailed an incident in a blog post where her supervisor made unwanted advances towards her via a company messaging platform on her very first day of employment.

Fowler subsequently authored “Whistleblower,” a book providing an in-depth account of her time with the company.

Fowler’s account brought significant attention to the issue of harassment faced by women engineers in the workplace. Within a profession historically dominated by men, the spectrum of problematic behavior extends from overt acts, such as the one Fowler endured, to persistent, subtle microaggressions.

Experiences Shared by Female Engineers

I spoke with four female engineers regarding the difficulties they have navigated in their careers:

• Tammy Butow, Principal Software Reliability Engineer at Gremlin
• Rona Chong, Software Engineer at Grove Collaborative
• Ana Medina, Senior Chaos Engineer at Gremlin
• Yury Roa, SRE Technical Program Manager at ADL Digital Labs in Bogota, Colombia

It is noteworthy that Fowler also worked as a Software Reliability Engineer (SRE) and was a colleague of Medina’s, who later participated in a $10 million discrimination lawsuit against Uber. This highlights the interconnected nature of this community.

While the severity of harassment varied, each engineer described facing daily hurdles, some of which were emotionally draining. Despite these obstacles, they all demonstrated a resolute commitment to achieving success and overcoming adversity.

Experiences of Isolation in Tech

A significant challenge encountered by women throughout their professional journeys is a sense of isolation, stemming from their limited representation within the field. This underrepresentation can frequently foster self-doubt and a feeling of not truly belonging, which can prove difficult to surmount.

Medina recounts instances where, whether intentional or not, interactions with male colleagues created an unwelcoming atmosphere. These experiences can significantly impact one’s dedication and motivation.

“The constant exposure to microaggressions had a detrimental effect on my work ethic and desire to excel,” Medina stated. “This not only eroded my self-esteem but also hindered my professional growth as an engineer.”

Roa highlights the connection between isolation and impostor syndrome. Increasing the number of women in these positions is crucial to provide mentorship, serve as inspiring role models, and foster a sense of camaraderie.

“Being the sole woman, or one of very few, in a given setting can contribute to impostor syndrome,” Roa explained. “Building confidence requires strong role models and inclusive leadership that actively champions women.”

Chong emphasizes the importance of knowing that others have navigated similar obstacles and successfully overcome them.

“Hearing authentic accounts of others’ experiences, their challenges, and how they triumphed has been incredibly valuable in reinforcing my own place within the tech industry,” she shared. “There were times I considered leaving, but the support network and relatable examples around me proved instrumental in my perseverance.”

Butow recalls a disheartening experience early in her career. Following an award win for a mobile application she developed, she was interviewed for an article.

Upon publication, she was dismayed to find the headline read, “Not just another pretty face…”

“I was shocked by the headline,” Butow expressed. “I was eager to share the article with my mother, but then hesitated. I had dedicated considerable time to writing the code, and my appearance was entirely irrelevant. These seemingly minor incidents, often referred to as ‘paper cuts,’ accumulate into a pattern of microaggressions.”

The Impact of Microaggressions

• Microaggressions can damage self-esteem.
• They can negatively affect work ethic and motivation.
• These subtle acts contribute to a feeling of isolation.

The experiences shared underscore the need for a more inclusive and supportive environment within the tech industry, one where women feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

Overcoming Obstacles

Despite the challenges faced, a consistent characteristic among these women was a resolute determination to demonstrate their technical capabilities and excel in their chosen careers.

Butow recounted experiencing similar misjudgments since adolescence, yet consistently refused to allow them to impede her progress. “My approach was to disregard these perceptions, largely influenced by my involvement in skateboarding. The dynamic is comparable; arriving at a skate park often prompted questions about my abilities – ‘Can you even perform a trick?’ – to which I’d respond with action. I simply proved them wrong.”

She continued, explaining that this pattern occurs in various settings and requires a proactive mindset. “I’ve always maintained a ‘just do it’ attitude, pushing forward regardless.”

Chong emphasized her commitment to resilience, highlighting the importance of peer support in navigating discouraging moments.

“While I generally strive to persevere and avoid surrender, there were instances where I contemplated resignation. However, gaining insight into the experiences of other women proved invaluable.”

Knowing she wasn’t alone in facing such obstacles, and witnessing their success in finding more supportive environments, was incredibly motivating. The encouragement and belief expressed by these colleagues likely prevented her from departing when she otherwise might have.

The Power of Female Support Networks

Chong's story isn't isolated; the greater the diversity within teams, the more opportunities arise for individuals from underrepresented communities to provide mutual support. Butow was instrumental in her recruitment, a moment Chong identifies as profoundly impactful.

“A significant network effect exists where women actively seek to include others, expanding these supportive structures. This allows for the creation of desired change and fosters a more inclusive environment,” Chong explained.

Medina is driven to increase representation of Latinx and Black individuals in the technology sector, specifically targeting girls and young women. Her work includes collaboration with Technolachicas, resulting in a series of commercials produced alongside the Televisa Foundation.

These commercials, six in total – three in English and three in Spanish – aim to demonstrate viable pathways into STEM careers for young girls. The videos feature perspectives from younger audiences, influential figures, and parents.

“Each commercial explores how individuals began their STEM journeys, targeting those who significantly influence young people’s development. The focus is on how these individuals can empower the next generation to consider and pursue STEM careers,” Medina stated.

Butow emphasizes the importance of encouragement and inspiration. “Our aim is to share our experiences and motivate other women. The presence of relatable role models is crucial, as research consistently demonstrates its significant impact,” she said.

Ultimately, the objective is to cultivate a workplace environment where individuals feel empowered to excel in their roles as engineers, free from unnecessary obstacles.

This supportive atmosphere allows for complete concentration on professional growth and achievement.