When I got my certificate in geographic information systems (GIS), it was an 8 week long intensive program where I spent 36 to 40 hours a week in class and up to 20 more studying. GIS is a 2/3s male field and my classes were all about 2/3s male. The last week of school, it dawned on me that the majority of women in my classes occupied the last two rows of seats. There were a few women who sat various places. I was the only woman who consistently sat in the front row. I also was one of only a few women to attend the graduation party. The few other women left by about midnight. I stayed until about 4am. I was one of the last people to leave. I've had people (usually women) make horrified remarks about what a terrible (ie "immoral" -- good girls don't stay at parties surrounded by male colleagues until 4am) and dangerous thing it was I did to attend the graduation party.

I really have no way of knowing what lap-dancers at a hacking event might have to do with sexism and discouraging the participation of women. But it's clear to me that there are still very real social barriers to the full inclusion of women in technical fields.