Hei Helen, Hello all,
I'm not sure if I would like to go through this kind of discussion...
We have several initiatives to make women feel confortable in FOSS or
in any other IT issues. As developer in the past and as manager
nowdays the only thing that I can say is: it's hard but wich
profession isn't?!?
My best women group reference: http://libreplanet.org/wiki/Women%27s_Caucus
after read you will see besides "Barriers to women's participation" we
all looking for the same ideal!
Best,
Izabel
2010/9/20 Helen
Jimmy et al,
(sorry to hear about your car, Jimmy!)
Interesting idea - I'm in two minds about this; on the one hand, clearly we need to encourage women to use and participate in FOSS and openSUSE specifically; on the other hand, 'tokenism' (ie being included just becuase of your gender) and being treated as a minority group is something I find embarrassing. I want to be included because, well, I'm cool and I know stuff and do a good job, you know. Gender is pretty much irrelevant to me most of the time.
My experience so far of FOSS is one of unquestioning inclusiveness - "Oh you're starting a LUG? Cool, how can we help? We're having a chat on IRC, come join in...." Although someone on the marketing channel the other day mentioned some women even receiving threats for intruding on the 'boy's club'. So that was a surprise to me, and I was sorry to hear it.
Having said all that, given that it is a very male-dominated community, it's probably a good idea to have an avenue where women's concerns can be aired and we can talk about specific ways to appeal to women and to facilitate their involvement. I think Izabel Valverde might have something to say about this too, I hope, we had a brief chat the other day.
I think this ties in with the current interest in identifying our users and community. (I feel these two groups are distinct: users can become community....)
I'd certainly be willing to be involved.
Helen
On Tue, Sep 21, 2010 at 7:41 AM, Jimmy Pierre
wrote: Greetings,
My report on SFD 2010 will be delayed because my car was vandalized last night. However, while waiting for the paperwork, I had this idea:
Women in Free and Open Source
Most distribution have a women group. How about an openSUSE women group? Hence, women ambassadors? I know many women in France that I can approach on this matter.
Just my 2 cents :-)
Cheers,
Jimmy
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