It was not the first time a Chief Executive Officer was late to a meeting so why was everyone so down on Yahoo’s CEO, Marissa Mayer. It seems Mayer fell asleep before a very important dinner leaving a room full of advertising executives waiting for nearly two hours. She apologized for her lateness yet it went out all over the World Wide Web as if she had done some grave injustice.
Several sources stated that Mayer’s speech that same day at the International Ad Conference in Cannes, France was lacking. One anonymous ad executive told the Journal, “It seems to be just another instance where she demonstrated she doesn’t understand the value of clients, ad revenue or agencies.“
Women have always struggled in the work field to gain the recognition they deserve. Though we have come a long way, we still have to fight for the position we deserve. On a daily basis, our work is repeatedly in question and there’s a tone in one’s voice, which says why.
In 2013, fifteen percent of women said they were passed over for a promotion due to gender and thirty one percent of women believe they would be paid more if they were of the opposite sex. Furthermore, twenty percent of men believe they would be paid less if they were a woman. You can read more about it on Think Progress.
Gender Bias Still an Issue in the Workplace
I cannot say, I myself have not experienced over time this gender bias. No matter the gender, the quality of work and over all qualification should ring true in any position, yet we still seem to be in the Stone Age when it comes to equal rights in the workplace.
I actually worked one place where my supervisor stated, “Are you sure this is the job for you and the pay is okay. With you being a single mother and no head of household, we want to just make sure this position suits you.” My reply was, “If I didn’t feel I could do the job and was not interested, I wouldn’t be here now would I. I assure you I am more than capable and qualified for the position.“
“Such a comment shows not only a lack of respect for women in the workplace but also, that gender issues are very much a problem in 2014. For someone to even make that statement is shocking and grounds for investigation.” wspickerman
Here is an Example of How to Handle Certain Questions During an Interview
Several other issues came to light while working there and I found my being a woman, was something always in question; regardless of the fact that I was the first to show up at the office and the last to leave. My work was proficient, accurate and on time. When asked why I left I never come right out and say there was a “gender bias atmosphere” instead I just leave it at, I felt it was in the best interest of both parties and I’m confident it was the right decision for me.
One should never speak negatively about old employers because the person interviewing maybe asking, “If they leave here, what will they say about us.” If they really want to know what happened they will ask you to explain more in-depth.
Always speak of your leave in a positive manner. You could say something like,”I felt it wasn’t a good fit or there were a few compatibility issues that I felt uncomfortable with and could not be resolved with time.“
By saying “could not be resolved with time“, shows that you tried to work out any difference you may have had with your former employer.
How to Deal with Gender Bias in The Workplace
- Write down what happened in great detail. Time, date, who said what, what was their posture, tone of voice, were there others who heard what was said; ask them if they would write down what they heard and saw as well.
- Make sure you write down how it made you feel and what you would like to see done, to clear up the matter as quickly and efficiently as possible.
- Ask someone in your Human Resources Department how to handle reporting claims/complaints.
- “Documentation is Your Best Friend“, I always say. Every time you talk to someone about it document who you spoke with, when it happened, what was said by all parties.
If you need more help, you can contact U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity commission (EEOC) They handle workplace anti-discrimination laws. There is a toll-free phone number you can call, that will automatically connect you to your local EEOC Office. 1-800-669-4000.
Please feel free to share your opinions on this controversial topic.
- Do you believe women are passed over for promotions?
- Should a woman be paid the same as a man?
- Have you ever experienced gender bias?
Share your experience with us here at YCN.
