Barrack, part of the problem here is that whenever the issue of adverse gendered norms is brought up, the counter argument is as the one you shared in response. 

Do this, over the next month, look around, in events, in the news, in fora, and make note of how many women are enlisted to discuss technical stuff, political issues (outside of women in tech, women in politics framing), then get back to me. With news alone, Media Council Research has shown that even news is mostly tailored for a male audience! Read more on that here: http://www.nation.co.ke/oped/blogs/all-male-panels/620-3213560-14f2u30/index.html

Diversity may be complex, yes, but it doesn't mean that the delayed achievement should be sanctioned. And that is why I am challenging you all in tech. What can you do to change this on its head? Read that Guardian article for some useful pointers, retrieve the material used for that training (it's available).

If you find yourself pushing back with "what about men" when women's issues are brought up, minimising room to assess the age-old issue, then perhaps you are defending how the patriarchy works. Understandable, often not easy to learn that the system that benefits you by default is harming others. 

Mwendwa, you describe a utopia we are a long ways from achieving. And that is why I shared those two resources, for context. What we should do (discuss Merits not gendered meritocracy) is very different from what we face today. 

At the very least, accept that, and don't deviate the narrative. That is unhelpful. 

Regards, 

Nanjira.

Sent on the move.

On 5 Nov 2016, at 23:37, Mwendwa Kivuva <Kivuva@transworldafrica.com> wrote:

I still think women should continue to fight for their space in society. I don't think in the 21st century, we should be celebrating that there is a woman candidate in a panel, or in a political competition. Rather, we should  be discussing merits of what the candidates bring to the table. The journey is long, and I hope when my daughter gets to vie for the Presidency, or any higher office, nobody will define her by gender, but rather by what value she adds to the society. 

Kudos to those opening the way for our daughters.

On Saturday, 5 November 2016, Barrack Otieno via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke> wrote:

To add, diversity is a broad and complex subject that requires
examination on the basis of merit and existing circumstance. It
requires a conscious effort and purpose based on a particular value
system to achieve good results. I guess it ought to be sewn into the
National Fabric as a value system. While the idea is good the approach
is wanting since it might result in analysis paralysis.

My two cents

On 11/5/16, Barrack Otieno <otieno.barrack@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Nanjira,
>
> Does it mean that men should equally refuse to take part in all women
> panels? I was following a ladies meeting discussing Internet related
> issues yesterday and i saw a gentleman on the panel, whilst he seemed
> out of place on account of the theme i think the gentleman was
> participating by invitation on account of the value he was adding. In
> my humble opinion most men are sons, brothers , husbands, fathers and
> friends. I think we need to pay attention to our value systems and
> test every new idea against the same value system before embracing it.
> This is my humble opinion based on what i have read unless i am
> missing something.
>
> Regards
>
> On 11/5/16, Nanjira Sambuli via kictanet <kictanet@lists.kictanet.or.ke>
> wrote:
>>
>> https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2016/nov/02/silicon-valley-sexism-diversity-valerie-aurora-frame-shift?CMP=share_btn_tw
>>
>> Closer home, which men in this industry will lead the fold by, for
>> instance,
>> refusing to take place in all male panels? Champions needed! In the
>> meantime, women in tech, please sign up here if you haven't already, and
>> please spread the word. It can't be an excuse any longer, that we "can't
>> be
>> found".
>>
>> http://nanjira.com/2016/11/hundreds-of-fabulous-kenyan-women-signed-up-to-saynotomanelske/
>>
>>
>>
>> Regards,
>> Nanjira.
>>
>> Sent on the move.
>
>
> --
> Barrack O. Otieno
> +254721325277
> +254733206359
> Skype: barrack.otieno
> PGP ID: 0x2611D86A
>


--
Barrack O. Otieno
+254721325277
+254733206359
Skype: barrack.otieno
PGP ID: 0x2611D86A

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KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth, share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.