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    This Woman’s Male Colleague Openly Told Her People Won't Hire Women Who Might Get Pregnant. Now More Women Are Sharing Their Own Infuriating Stories In Response

    "Everyone says they want more women in STEM and in cybersecurity, but where are the pathways and opportunities?"

    Recently, a post from Reddit user u/Mahiyah (Mahiyah, for short) got a lot of attention on the r/girlsgonewired subreddit, "where girls get their geek on" — aka, where women go to discuss all things technology and STEM related. Mahiyah shared her first-hand account of a recent work experience and incredulously asked, "I'm a woman, so I won't get hired because I'll get pregnant — eventually?!"

    Here's what happened, in Mahiyah's own words: "I was catching up with a male network of mine, who is a director of a marketing firm, and he said lots of hiring managers think, 'Why would anyone hire a 27-year-old [who's] going to have a baby vs. a 22 or 23-year-old grad?'"

    Woman at a laptop resting chin on hands, looking stressed or thoughtful
    Jay Yuno / Getty Images

    "I'm 24 right now and studying computer science part-time for the next six years while working full time in admin support," says Mahiyah. "I just started my first year and will likely graduate at 30."

    Two individuals working at a desk with computers. They are focused on the screens, engaging in a collaborative task
    Hinterhaus Productions / Getty Images

    "I am pursuing application security and am already under so much pressure to get qualified and get to work! Everyone says they want more women in STEM and in cybersecurity, but where are the pathways and opportunities?"

    She continues, "I wouldn't want to work at a place that would essentially shame me for having children when I can't possibly control my 'biological clock.'"