It adds nothing of value to their accomplishments, nor the article.
If anything, it detracts from the accomplishment. "Look how cute it is that the females are trying to code, applaud them!" - is the sentiment that comes out of it. It's the same affect as these all-female movie casts that then get promoted as "look how great it is that the cast is all female" instead of "look how great this movie is".
In general, we should just say person. Allow the accomplishments to carry themselves. If they are good, people will respond.
I think that was my original point - who cares?
It adds nothing of value to their accomplishments, nor the article.
If anything, it detracts from the accomplishment. "Look how cute it is that the females are trying to code, applaud them!" - is the sentiment that comes out of it. It's the same affect as these all-female movie casts that then get promoted as "look how great it is that the cast is all female" instead of "look how great this movie is".
In general, we should just say person. Allow the accomplishments to carry themselves. If they are good, people will respond.