I don't know if men have an easier time or not. But I am female and inherently am untrusting of most praise that comes from men. It usually comes across as a blatant pat on the head of a sort they wouldn't likely do to a man, which strikes me as belittling. Because it is delivered differently from what seems to be the norm between two men, it strikes me as either a form of tokenism/pity or makes me wonder if the real intent is to butter me up because he is attracted. Both are big problems, not any kind of leg up or meaningful assurance that I am perceived as competent. It is relatively rare for me to get backing of a sort which suggests to me that it is based on genuine esteem for my ability.
Edit: My point is I can see that being a source of self doubt which men might experience less of in a male dominant environment. So I can see this being tough to overcome for a woman surrounded by men.
(Not that I view myself as a woman in tech. I run a few websites. I do some freelance writing. I know a smidgeon of html and css. I have a certificate in GIS. But I am a former homemaker who paid insurance claims for about five years. My self image is not "woman in tech." I really do not know what professional label would currently fit me. It is quite irksome at times, though I suppose there is no need to drone on further about that detail.)
Edit: My point is I can see that being a source of self doubt which men might experience less of in a male dominant environment. So I can see this being tough to overcome for a woman surrounded by men.
(Not that I view myself as a woman in tech. I run a few websites. I do some freelance writing. I know a smidgeon of html and css. I have a certificate in GIS. But I am a former homemaker who paid insurance claims for about five years. My self image is not "woman in tech." I really do not know what professional label would currently fit me. It is quite irksome at times, though I suppose there is no need to drone on further about that detail.)