I want to tell you about how it is. What it is like to come to work every day, where your competence is not taken seriously, simply because you are a woman. It happens that they try to "help" you, as if you yourself do not know how to solve the problem. Or, on the contrary, they begin to doubt whether you can handle the job at all, although you have long proven to everyone with your results that you can handle it even better than others.

I am an engineer. And although I always try not to attach much importance to this, the truth is that sometimes it becomes a real test. Working in this field, I have often encountered bewilderment - how, it turns out, you, such a fragile woman, could choose such a difficult and "unfeminine" profession. I could not be offended, but, frankly, at some moments it really hurt me. Simply because I invest a lot in my work. This is my work, this is my passion. And I am not just a "woman" who earns money - I am a professional who cares about being respected.

It seems to me that this feeling is familiar not only to me, but also to many women who have chosen traditionally "male" professions. Perhaps you have even encountered this yourself, seeing your colleague, for example, an architect or a programmer, as something unusual. And here I probably want to reveal a little secret to you. Women in engineering, as in any other field, are no worse than men. We are not weaker, no less talented, no less competent. We may have just encountered greater difficulties along the way. But doesn't this make us stronger?

Have you ever thought about what it means to be a woman in a profession where you have to prove your worth every day? When the whole team is used to the fact that the decision always comes from "men", and here you are, a woman, standing on your feet and making decisions that can change a lot.

It seems to me that our society sometimes forgets the importance of supporting each other, regardless of gender, age or what experience we have. We are all equally susceptible to prejudices. And therefore, it is even more important to create space for honest and open conversations. For example, such as this one. There are no preconceived opinions here, only a story about how important it is to be able to believe in yourself, and, perhaps, help others believe in you.

Sorry, I just got fed up. I hope you don't mind that I "dumped" this on you?

Lana Banana