Respectfully, I think you missed the point of the parent comment.

Parent comment says: if `(former programmer) turned manager` is more equal in gender than `programmer`, that might mean there is a sorting function that is pulling women out of engineering and into management.

His/her hypothesis is that being a "regular dev" is not very socially respected, and thus, pushes women to want out at a higher rate than other professions, like say, Doctor.

The fact that Doctor gender ratio is similar to Manager Doctor gender ratio, actually fits his hypothesis.

Not saying I disagree with either of you, just re stating.