Our society has a certain set of rules for men and women and they are forced to go with it in order to fit in the circle. Ultimately, this is where sexism is born. A workplace is where you can express your skills and work on improving your talent. But do you know many men and women are dropping out of their jobs because of toxic workplace sexism?
Men are considered to be unconventional and dominant and women are considered to be kind and collaborative. What stereotyping is this? Why can’t people work peacefully in a workplace adhering to professional work-life behavior?
In male-dominated toxic workplaces that carry the preconceived ideas of society without accepting the cultural shift, it might be hard for a woman to advance in her career. In such places, women may not be given the same opportunities as their male co-workers. Let’s discuss more it.
What Is Sexism?
Sexism is the term used to describe inequality for women or men in society. It involves an ideology that one sex or gender is superior to another. Sexism may have arisen from social and cultural norms. But it is what we call sexism? Definitely not! Sexism is so much more than this and it is difficult to understand, hence addressing the issue becomes hard.
Right from the sexist jokes and mansplaining to sexual harassment and sexual violence, everything falls under the category of sexism.
Both men and women can experience sexism at a toxic workplace. However, women are more likely to experience sexism than men.
In a team meeting, your idea might have been the best, but a sexist person does not have the courage to take your idea just because you are a woman. Females in the White House have also been facing the same issue, this is why they have come up with the Amplification strategy. If a woman comes up with an idea or strategy and it goes unnoticed or ignored, another woman voices it out or simply repeats it until it is acknowledged.
What to Do if You Are Being Subjected to Sexism?
- Voice out against another female employee if you feel that she is being ignored. If it happens to you and you do not have a supportive female employee, better stand up for yourself and repeat your idea until it is noticed. Stand up for yourself and ask the person if he or she would have done the same thing if you were a man.
- Make the person realize that what he/she spoke is sexist. Call out their action publicly and bring it to light so that other employees might be aware and the specific person does not repeat the same behavior.
- Speak about your issue to your colleagues. Let them know how you feel about it and discuss whether others also feel the same way. If you come to a conclusion that it is a deeper issue and needs more attention, bring it up to the HR department.
Say a Big ‘No’ To
1) Manterruption
Do you have that male boss or co-worker who always interrupts while you are talking? Do the same to him, interrupt and say “I am speaking”(The Kamala Harris Way)
2) Sexist Jokes
Though it is a subtle sexist joke, you should not entertain it.
3) Being the ‘Mom’ of the Group
If you are with a group of men, you are expected to be their “mom”, Gosh! If you are not comfortable doing those extra little tasks for them. Simply don’t. Learn to say ‘no’!
4) Uncomfortable Nicknames
Are you being called “babe” or sweetheart”? Be dare to express that you feel uncomfortable being called such a way.
5) Mansplaining
“John! It is such a simple thing, why do you explain so much about it?” If you ever felt like saying this to your male boss/co-worker, simply pause to say “I have enough knowledge about the topic, I will ask for help if I need it”
We need more “women supporting women” in an office. If you feel any woman is experiencing sexism at work, you must also need to raise your voice to support her.
Imagine a workplace where you are freely allowed to express your thoughts and ideas without the fear of being judged or being ignored. Sounds great right? Let’s join our hands in creating a workplace that says no to ‘gender inequality and ‘sexism’