Electrical Engineering & Electronics Design

So you would be willing to give up your job or place as a student so a woman could take your place ?

So you don't mind someone else losing their position to make room for a woman so long as it is not you who loses his place ?

I still have trouble justifying to myself why women should get priority over men based on their gender. Every man I have asked who thinks women should get priority over men is a good idea has always said the same thing. They think it is a good idea so long as it is not themselves who lose out. What if Einstein was denied his application simply to make room for more women in the field of physics. Who would think that was a good idea ? I keep coming back to the same conclusion, the only fair way to decide applications and positions should be based on ability, dedication, merit and hard work. Not just because certain people would like to see more skirts.

As a hiring manager and engineer I have a vested interest in assembling the best team for the job at hand. Skill and even domain experience are not the only factors. I seek to include a solid implementor, a domain specific person, an organizer, and an aesthetics/customer focus person. Within that group and additional members I look for different backgrounds and experiences. All that leads to the high likelihood of hiring women. Likewise I would be unlikely to assemble an all female team.

Nobody wants rejection but if I received a letter stating that I was skilled but not a match for the team, I would perfectly understand. On a more personal level I have twice deferred a more senior position to two different women. This delayed my own career advancement but it was the correct decision both at the time and in hindsight.

I agree with that comment. If I am laying on the operating table and a surgeon enters the room to perform life saving surgery I want the best and most dedicated, experienced person for the job whether it be a man or a woman. I would not like to find out the surgeon got given their position or education placement based upon their gender identity or just because some people would like to see more women included in a particular field.

Early in my career I focused on individual skill and qualifications. As time went on and I had more projects under my belt, I learned team dynamics are the best predictor of success. The impact is clear to customers, company, and team members alike. As such my definition of "most qualified" places a lot of priority how the person fits within the team. I don't hire diversely to benefit the individual being hired, but because there is a hole in the team that needs to be filled.

Surgery is not really my area but I will take a stab at it :) . The answer is, no, I don't want the highest rated surgeon, that person's probably an egotistical jerk who just blames their mistakes on others.

That is an interesting opinion you don't want the highest rated or qualified or most gifted person because you automatically stereotype all of them as egotistical jerks without even knowing them ? Out of curiosity do your psychic powers of deduction exclude women or is this stereotype just reserved for your fellow men?

Your opinions are interesting, I can see how a diverse team could be a asset in some areas however I think it is a catastrophe in the making turning down the most gifted applicants based on forced social diversity. What if Einstein, Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Steeve Jobs, the list is endless... were denied their application based on forced gender diversity.

Does this diversity ideology mean we should start replacement programs for women in jobs such as, child care, veterinarians, social workers, education, councilors, physiologists, the list goes on.... because I only ever hear of the word diversity when involves replacing men. Forced social engineering programs reminds me of some of the worst people from history and as far as I know has this never ended in a good outcome.

By digging a little, it is possible to find a multitude of women who have achieved prestigious careers in computer science. I believe that today's society is more affected by cinema and social networks than by history. In the media, it is those who have accumulated great fortunes or exceptional leaders who are presented as great visionaries. The developers behind their success are rarely presented to their true value. Fortunately, some films, such as "Hidden Figures" released in 2016, leave some hope.

For my part, I always choose the person who best completes the team. I try to eliminate all forms of discrimination, whether positive or negative. Technical knowledge is important, but the attitude and interest of the person in relation to the projects to be developed is just as important. Diversity is often an asset in creativity and development.

As an example where the diversity would have been useful, I can mention an embedded device aimed at customers aged between 40 and 50, whose menus were written in 6-point type. The interface was designed and written by young people who wanted to make the best use of the small screen. They simply forgot that the majority of users between the ages of 40 and 50 do not have the same good vision and need to use their glass and sometimes a magnifying glass to use the device.

I say no to discrimination in the employment of women, but yes to finding ways to interest girls and women in computer science and science in general. History shows that, as a society, we have every interest in women taking their rightful place.

Hello Daniel,

I know Lynne personally so I thought I would chime in because she is not around. I believe Lynne's point is if we want a world of diversity and equality within society which I know Lynne advocates then we should stand on the principle that no one should be discriminated against based on gender, race, colour etc... For instance targeted persecution or replacement of men simply to force more women in the industry is not diversity and equality. In her words it is forced social engineering. Diversity and equality is an equal playing field where the person who earns the position deserves the position.

For instance your statement "I say no to discrimination in the employment of women" would not be diversity and equality because it only applies to women. Diversity and equality should not be a coin toss where we flip from one extreme to the other persecuting what ever gender is not in fashion. Diversity and equality should be an equal playing field no matter what the gender, colour or race. Giving special privileges and priority's to people is not equality.

I completely agree with you. Giving special privileges and priorities to people is not equality and it is not the right way.