This content originally appeared on Laura Kalbag’s Blog Posts and was authored by Laura Kalbag
Note: I wrote this a while ago when I was thinking about the things that made me want to work on the web. Of course, it’s not exclusively women that inspire me, but as a girl who continually questions the value she is bringing to a project, I often find the women of the web had the greatest effect on my self assurance. I wrote this in my notebook in a fit of fury after witnessing some upsetting trolling towards a couple of women on Twitter.
---To the women of the web (and those who support them),
You inspire me. I don’t just mean that in a throwaway hero-worship kindof way.
Your bravery and determination give me the belief and desire to stand up and talk about what I care about.
And that’s not because you’re women, or despite that you’re women. You share what you believe in because you don’t want to keep things selfishly to yourselves. You want to help others learn.
Sometimes the fact that you are women can get in the way for others. It’s their problem.
You, however, carry on with dignity. You don’t pretend that words don’t hurt, or that you don’t feel emotional. There’s no dishonesty.
Instead, you set an outstanding example to the rest of us. That we can, and should, try.
Whilst you should never bear the responsibility of my admiration, please be aware that I will always be grateful that you were there.
Laura x
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Read the original post, 'A loveletter'.
This content originally appeared on Laura Kalbag’s Blog Posts and was authored by Laura Kalbag
Laura Kalbag | Sciencx (2013-01-15T12:04:03+00:00) A loveletter. Retrieved from https://www.scien.cx/2013/01/15/a-loveletter/
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Dear Laura
I appreciate your this post, as well as your postings … though am a developer but i always remained inspired by you since i came across your blog … your posts not only helps regarding field things but it motivates me in terms of working hard .. stay fit … going on daily walks … working properly in professional ways and i also appreciate being such a busy lady you replied my emails and help in possible way u can by your suggestions … Thankx for being an inspiration .. stay blessed
Regards
Bravo.
I love your blog design by the way. Very bold.
For what it’s worth, I consider you a source of inspiration.
@Mark It’s not that I find more kinship with women, I just find them particularly inspiring in this way. That’s why I tried to emphasise at the beginning that they certainly aren’t my only inspiration. And why I mentioned that those who support these people are equally included.
There are so many people I love and respect, and I’m sure that most of them are men, because there are just so many more men in the industry. It’s this difficulty of being one type of minority that makes it so easy to feel slighted or disheartened, and those who get past that are often under-appreciated or suffer extra scrutiny for their trouble. It’s also so important to for these groups of people to have people they can look up to and take assurance from. Of course, they don’t have to be the same minority, but sometimes it just helps.
@Mark, being aware of your privilege is one way. For instance, as a white male, you have the highest privilege. In Laura’s particular industry (not to mention everywhere else), women fight to receive the same amount of respect and credibility that is handed to you. Perhaps some of her kinship with women is due that common experience, knowing that a successful woman’s journey looks very different from a man’s.
Acknowledge that you have privilege, know what it is, stop to consider it, point it out to others, and be an ally. Those are all great places to start.
Regarding efforts to subvert it, this is a great resource: [http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/FLOSS#How_to_encourage_women_in_FLOSS](http://geekfeminism.wikia.com/wiki/FLOSS#How_to_encourage_women_in_FLOSS" rel="nofollow)