On the surface, they are the picture of success. So when they leave, their departments are puzzled but maybe justify each departure as an isolated and individual decision, rather than seeing the pattern that emerges when one looks below the surface. When I ask women why they want to leave, common themes quickly emerge. The strongest is the sense of isolation women still feel on the job. I had no support group, no girlfriends.
Harassment is another big issue.
My biggest and most recurring problem is harassment. Early on it was physical harassment, tampering with my turnout gear, threats to leave me in a fire, threats of physical harm, etc. Lately it has been subtle abuse that just goes on and on. My size was always challenged. Human feces were left in my shower.