Here we are, poised in the 21st Century, leading a high tech life with everything around us getting digital and revolutionized! Gen-next loves it: there is ample opportunity for all, things have never been better and women are everywhere, even in the technical field. But my question is, even though women form a part and parcel of the tech work force, are they still playing second fiddle?

I have been in this industry for quite a few years now and my observation is, that women are definitely the second choice. The number of women in the tech world may be high but I feel women still face barriers if they want to write their success story. This world continues to be dominated by males.

Women are looked down in tech related fields and it is assumed that they know less or are less knowledgeable. Women tend to interact less with their superiors and colleagues. Invariably women run home after work whereas the men enjoy hanging out with the guys. Socializing can also be a stepping stone to getting leads for career betterment. Consequently women do not get exposure they need to expand in their field.

Women also lag in their capacity for decision making. Some surveys have proved this, and state that women are often influenced in their decision making. It could be their responsibilities, need to consult, need to be accepted or peer pressure that could also be influencing their decision making skills. This may prove to be a deterrent when it comes to moving up the career graph.

In the tech world, I feel women play second fiddle, and are definitely paid less than their male counterparts. Any comments, ladies?

-Firdous