Why are women in IT paid less?

Could that be because of the smaller number in STEM or IT fields? Probably, but that is not the only problem.

Recently I met a lady who had been working as a nurse in the hospital for the last 2 years. We chatted a bit and I mention I work as a software developer.
A few seconds after — she told me she was a software developer before she became a nurse.
I was looking at her with an obvious question in my eyes: “Why?”.
After giving birth, she returned to work, however, she was greeted by documenting the code with an explanation she will have another child and leave again for some time.
I don’t know what kind of developer she was, but she said that she worked by the end of her pregnancy and that she tried to return to work as soon as possible to stay up to date.
Not sooo good example, I know.

So, long story short — she changed her career because she could not grow in her company anymore. Someone would change company but that is not the topic here.

Why would she just document the code?
Why someone would not give her an opportunity to grow even after having children?
Is that the starting point why women are paid less — because they will have children?
I think it is.

In addition, working in the industry I also noticed, and even conducted a small survey, how much longer it takes women to advance to a higher position than men. On average 2 years. Women with and without children took part in the survey, and the difference was huge. It took women with children about 3 and a half years to progress, and those without children about a year and a half (compared to men).

Crazy isn’t it?

What do you think?

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