Yeah, because instead of a false example we could use a real example, such as a woman who wrote the first compiler... but then, most people (including our target group) would just ask: "what is a compiler?"
Therefore, a false hero may be politically preferable. Until the truth becomes known, and then we either have to accept that this strategy backfired, or make the truth forever our enemy. Which happens often when politics comes first.
Today is Ada Lovelace Day, when STEM enthusiasts highlight the work of modern and historical women scientists, engineers, and mathematicians. If you run a blog, you may want to participate by posting about a woman in a STEM field whom you admire. But I'd love to have people share women scientists/mathematicians/authors in the comments that they think we could all stand to read more about.