Everyday sexism in business networking
Now, there are plenty of articles written on sexism in the workplace and frankly, given that I haven’t been in full time employment for around 2 years, I probably wouldn’t be best suited to write such an article. However, I neither question the existence of the glass ceiling nor the fact that women are systemically ill-treated and underpaid. And if I had any doubts they would surely have been squashed by this morning’s shocking Daily Mail cover entitled, “Never mind Brexit, who won Legs-it!.” Well played Daily Mail, once again you have done a disservice to women everywhere and been a disgrace to the country you are meant to represent.
And breathe, Helena. However, what I wanted to discuss today was everyday sexism in business networking. Now, before I begin my rant I must add that I am a firm believer in the power of networking as a tool that has been beneficial to not only my business, but also my confidence. It means I can stand up in a room full of strangers and talk with conviction – and this confidence has overflown into my personal life. Not only that, but as a freelancer it gives me a much needed sense of community, camaraderie and occasionally, even, friendship.
However, there is a BUT. One that began its life as a slow, niggling conjuction that at first I shrugged off, and then later laughed about. I have officially reached my boiling point, because quite frankly I am tired of networking with men who treat me differently because of my gender.
Now, I get it – I am young, I am blonde and I have one of those “cute” faces that makes people want to pinch my cheeks and coo. But, I am also a business woman that has successfully built her own business from scratch and, within one year, turned a respectable profit. And even if that wasn’t true, quite frankly at a business networking event, I should be treated with respect because that is what the situation demands.
Sadly, there have been a notable minority of men who talk down to me, in this fatherly, patronising tone as if what I really need is a cuddle and some comfort. In any given networking situation I have been asked repeatedly about my dating life, been given unsolicited (and patronising) advice and generally just been treated as if I am less. In one particularly hurtful incident at a Christmas party I was forced to leave early as a particular member, I felt, crossed the line with his innuendoes and euphemisms.
Like I said, I do feel hugely indebted to networking for what it has given to me both personally and professionally. And I would encourage every professional (self-employed or not) to jump on the bandwagon. I also attend a number of women’s only networking events (I am a proud member of two WIBN branches) and have never felt subject to the same attitude. However, I sincerely hope that this undercurrent of sexism in networking can be eradicated. Because, quite frankly I am sick of having to convince others that I am a serious professional. And I am yet to meet a man alive who has had to fight this particular battle.
Has anyone else experienced this sort of sexism? I would love to hear your thoughts feel free to drop me an email on helena@helenabaker.com or give me a call on 07826 857 882. And if you fancy reading any more of my blogs, my lovely words, are all available on my website – www.helenabaker.com