Blog for Working Equality

WATCH THIS VIDEO* IF:

You have been unfairly fired by an employer because of your gender

You have been discriminated against because of your gender

You have seen unfair treatment of a coworker because of her gender

You have been sexually harassed at work

You are not being respected at work because of your gender

You want to know what to do if one of these things happens to you in the future

You are curious about the mistreatment of women in the workplace

You want to know a bit more about discrimination of various groups in the workplace

*Not my video!

Page 336 of Persepolis: a perfect example of mansplaining between a husband and wife. Although this isn’t necessarily about the workplace, this shows how men can be oppressive without even knowing it. I know that some countries have harsher laws and institutional sexism (such as Iran’s ban of women at Iranian males’ soccer games), however, this kind of behavior would not fly for many couples in America. I know plenty of women who would stand up for themselves if their partner spoke over them at every chance they had.

Men often do this to women and don’t even realize it, so it’s important to discuss it (if one feels comfortable and safe). In a workplace setting, it could be beneficial to ask another coworker to pay attention to the language being spoken against you or above you. This is just one way of advocating for feminism.

Work Cited: 

*Satrapi, Marjane. The Complete Persepolis. SAPL, 2013.

Many people confused Feminism with Sexism, what is the difference and why do they matter?

I came across an article by Jone Johnson Lewis who explains these concepts exceptionally. Since we’re blogging about practical tools for the workforce, I’ll share with you what she says about sexism in the workplace. Lewis states, “Feminism assumes that sexism, which disadvantages and/or oppresses those identified as women, is not desirable and should be eliminated. There is a common misconception that feminists are sexist against men; unlike sexists, who oppress women, feminists are not trying to oppress men, but rather they want equal compensation, opportunities, and treatment for both genders. Feminism seeks to create non-discrimination, which is essential for creating equality to ensure that no one is denied their rights because of factors such as race, gender, language, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, political or another opinion, national or social origin, property or birth.” In other words, sexism functions as a form of oppression, and feminism advocates for liberation.

This is a helpful piece of insight from a writer who has been “involved in the women’s movement since the late 1960’s.” An example of sexism is mansplaining* and an example of feminism is asking your fellow female coworkers to attend and optional seminar with you in your company.

I’ve shared data on the gender pay gap:(https://4workingequality.tumblr.com/image/180111442414)

The gender pay gap prevents women from the opportunities that men have. A hypothetical: in the future I could only afford a $3 cup of coffee before work, but my boyfriend can afford a $4 cup of coffee, even though we would have the same set of skills, the same career path, the same intellect, AND the same position at the same company. How unfair is that? He may even use that $4 cup of coffee to allow him to work harder and faster, giving him another advantage over women. The gender pay gap also reduces the respect of women because it implies that our work is not as valuable.

I’ve shared examples of how men often disrespect women in certain workplaces, such as sports: (https://4workingequality.tumblr.com/post/180111804464/anti-capitalistlesbianwitch-carolina-panthers)

Feminists advocate for equal respect because mansplaining is a real thing, and it actually happens to me a lot. When females are talked down to in the workplace, obviously it’s not fun, but it can be so bad for some women that they leave the positions they’re in just to avoid the disrespect. Also, when females aren’t respected, it can prevent them from getting promotions, which is a form of discrimination.

I’ve shared articles on emerging opportunities for working women: (https://4workingequality.tumblr.com/post/180287245794/women-who-made-history-in-the-midterm-elections)

In some countries, women aren’t even legally allowed to hold certain positions.

(https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/08/104-countries-have-laws-that-prevent-women-from-working-in-some-jobs/).

Today I want to share one more example of emerging opportunities… 

http://homsweethom.tumblr.com/post/122108969395/10-things-beyonc%C3%A9-taught-me-about-being-a-bosslady