These events are for educating women and promoting and fostering growth for women by women. When you invite everyone, then you inevitably get the well meaning man who decides his opinions are either just as valid, or more valid, than the women who are there. Then it becomes less about what women can do for each other to help them grow in the industry, and more about "Well gee I don't think that's the RIGHT way to do that" or "Oh whoa now, not all guys do that. Have you considered *blank*?" It takes the conversation away from women.
And there is an absolute comfort and comradely that women rarely get in large spaces that comes with these events. They are encouraging, you feel more at ease talking about your experiences (and having people not only believe you, but empathize because they've been there in a way men haven't), and you get the support of your group, uninterrupted. These places aren't about what's best for everyone ever, or what will promote 100% equality. They are about women and getting women involved in the industry or community. I have been to a women-centric event about promoting women in tech, and it was absolutely refreshing and amazing. I didn't have to have my guards up. I didn't have to defend myself or my experiences. I didn't have to prove myself. That is such an amazing and rare feeling in this industry.
And no shit promoting something as a women's space will get harassment. What's the point of even bringing this up? That women Altos do this in secret? That it shouldn't exist at all? Anything a minority does to promote themselves or better their group gets shit flung at them.
And there is an absolute comfort and comradely that women rarely get in large spaces that comes with these events. They are encouraging, you feel more at ease talking about your experiences (and having people not only believe you, but empathize because they've been there in a way men haven't), and you get the support of your group, uninterrupted. These places aren't about what's best for everyone ever, or what will promote 100% equality. They are about women and getting women involved in the industry or community. I have been to a women-centric event about promoting women in tech, and it was absolutely refreshing and amazing. I didn't have to have my guards up. I didn't have to defend myself or my experiences. I didn't have to prove myself. That is such an amazing and rare feeling in this industry.
And no shit promoting something as a women's space will get harassment. What's the point of even bringing this up? That women Altos do this in secret? That it shouldn't exist at all? Anything a minority does to promote themselves or better their group gets shit flung at them.