In much of the computer science industry, women are constantly fighting barriers to gain entry to the male-dominated field. Though gaining headway in many fields, the doors to the technology field remain virtually closed to women. At many tech companies in Silicon Valley and nationwide, only a tiny fraction of the technical staff -- 2% to 4% in some cases -- are women.

     Right out of college, female undergraduates are widely regarded as less competent than their male counterparts. Science professors likewise were less likely to offer mentoring or a job to those female undergraduates, and if offered a job, females would receive a lower salary than males.

     Studies have also found that female scientists have lower salaries, smaller lab spaces, and less access to mentors and professional networks than their male counterparts, which puts them at a disadvantage in the race for grants, publication, patents, tenure, and promotions. As noted by MIT researchers, "the result is a system that all but forces women out of science careers."