#RealTalk is part of an ongoing column for the WiB blog in conjunction with our discussion sessions in real life where we take a look at different topics in hopes of shining a light on prevalent issues in marginalized communities.
Many of us are at the cusp of entering into full time professions, and while it may seem as though the workplace discrimination scenario for us Gen- Z women is changing at a fast pace, the reality is often far from this.
With women leaders like Kamala Harris, Jecinda Ardern and Angela Merkel who can be seen ruling the political scene of their respective countries, we tend to believe that the age of feminism is finally here to stay! However, at the ground level, the differences between the treatment of men and women in the corporate workplace hasn’t seen much of a shift. Let’s run through how this is so.
Expectations:
Women today get into their dream jobs only after competing fiercely for it.
Reality:
Women are less likely to compete for other positions if they have been rejected before. However, there are several underlying reasons for this.
Research has shown that as the corporate hierarchy increases, the job positions are filled increasingly by men which makes them the predominant evaluators for any new incomers into the organisation.
That being said, most women who get rejected have correctly reported bias and less fairness in the recruitment process which gives the organisation itself an image of being run by chauvinistic men. This explains why women today lose their ability to fight for the role they want- it isn’t worth it when the higher ups can’t perceive a woman handling the role!
Expectations:
Workplace harassment is not as prevalent as it was before #MeToo.
Reality:
Harassment at the ground level is still a pressing issue. The latest statistics reveal around 70% of women experience some form of sexual harassment at their workplace of which 72% don’t report it.
Besides this, it is found that women experience more psychological harassment and workplace bullying than men. In 3 out of 4 cases of workplace bullying the perpetrator is (sadly enough) a man. Thus, while it may seem as though the #MeToo movement has shed light on these statistics and is bringing it down, there has been no change in the actuality of the situation.
Expectations:
Workplaces are highly professional and use the appropriate vernacular at all times.
Reality:
Something as mundane as using appropriate words is often compromised when it comes to a woman. She is often referred to as “Darl” or “Honey” in the western workplace and any dissent is belittled by her male superiors.
There also exists double standards when it comes to reprimanding men and women for their workplace conduct. Unprofessionalism (whether it is slacking off during work or not cleaning up one’s mess after lunch break) is noticed in men more than women, though they are hardly ever told off for it.
What’s next?
These facts may seem disorienting and demotivating but as women who have been historically subjected to a vast amount of discrimination, double standards and objectification; the fight for equality must never stop!
It is important to keep in mind that Kamala Harris, Jecinda Ardern and Angela Merkel had to start somewhere and face similar kinds of social oppression as women face today. Taking inspiration from them, we as students/graduates must ensure that workplace discrimination never hinders our drive to succeed or yearning to grow into the leaders we want to become :)
Further Reading and Resources:
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