[OSGeo-Discuss] new: OSGeo women mailing list

[Frank Warmerdam]

Brian Russo wrote:
> I find the underlying bias of this discussion itself fascinating.  
> Landon is right that surveying/engineering is male-dominated; yet nobody 
> complains that nursing is female-dominated. I have to wonder what really 
> is the problem? 

Brian,

For me the issue is that there may be a substantial under-utilized
set of women (or generalize the accessability issue also to other
underrepresented groups) who could be users and more importantly
contributors to my project, and other OSGeo projects!  A goal of OSGeo
is to promote our projects to users and to encourage additional
contributors.

> That said, I don't know how this really is specific to osgeo in 
> particular. It may be better served under a broader focus of GIS for 
> Women, Open Source for Women.. etc. I guess I'm curious what sort of 
> goals are set. University recruitment? Encouraging female OS developers 
> in general to engage in OSGeo? I'm a bit lost on the intent.

The issue may not be specific to OSGeo and OSGeo projects, but if there
are concrete steps that we could take to encourage more involvement
then it behooves us to take them.  I would claim part of the role of
OSGeo is to help our projects grow by developing and inculcating better
community practices that encourage involvement and contribution.

Best regards,
-- 
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I set the clouds in motion - turn up   | Frank Warmerdam, warmerdam at pobox.com
light and sound - activate the windows | http://pobox.com/~warmerdam
and watch the world go round - Rush    | Geospatial Programmer for Rent