I think the sample data in this particular study is skewed horribly by the fact that it comes from SO. Only 5.8% female? Maybe thats because SO is sometimes a hostile community, curated by a bunch of pedantic gnomes. The fact that 48% of the responders to the study were self taught may be more accurate, as there is frankly so little schooling available in traditional education for web development. That said, SO is an ask-and-learn community, so Im actually a bit surprised that 48% is not larger.
They aren't actually gnomes.
:) correct, for clarification, they are Svirfneblin.
What kind of learning isn't self-taught anyway? I think the expression is hoakey, and perhaps appealing to young developers who might take selfies or do other things with themselves. Consider this comment a free gift.