During my entire 15+ career in the tech sector, I have dealt with behavior that could most definitely be considered sexist.
I’ve experienced first-hand room keys slipped in my back pocket after being hugged. I’ve learned to do the one-arm hug for strangers after too many of those.
I’ve been blatantly asked for hookups so many times it doesn’t even shock me anymore – just last night I was “jokingly” propositioned for something that most porn stars wouldn’t do.
While at business events, men have “scooped me up” or put their arm around me, or what have you, like I was just a football they were tossing around. (Before anyone comments on that one about why don’t I slap them, my reaction is always: surprise, shock, then “how do I get away as quickly and quietly as possible.” Followed by an immediate call to the husband.)
And these are people who know I am married.
I can only imagine it is worse for the single girls.
I’ve talked to a few who have similar stories, especially in relation to certain people (in SV and out).
It isn’t every guy. Any they don’t do it to every girl. But it happens.
I shrug it off and move on to issues that are more important to me, like getting more people involved and interested in the sciences.
Originally Posted: https://www.quora.com/Are-things-getting-better-or-worse-for-women-in-Silicon-Valley
Originally Posted On: 2015-12-12