Labels and Women

It is not novel for a woman to be labeled at work, for her behavior or attitude.

‘She is aggressive for a girl’

‘She talks too much for a girl’

‘She is too mellow for this job’

‘It is so good she has done so much despite being a girl’

‘Are you sure you want to wear that?’

‘Pushy, bossy, bold- for a girl’

How many of you have heard this? And how many of you have heard a man being called aggressive or mellow or talking too much or being judged for his clothes?

The feeling that exists in many workplaces and in the professional world generally is that women have entered a place that belonged to men. It was never a place that promoted gender diversity (the most overused and abused phrase of the 21st century). It was forced into becoming one. This belief is further married to the idea that women can lead or at best work for the product lines with feminine stereotypes- beauty, home care products, hygiene products, skincare.

It is absurd why an achievement by a woman is seen with extreme admiration as if it was impossible for her to do that unless she was an extraordinary human. Now, of course, women are equally capable, it is a fact rather than surprising news. They are human beings, they are capable, thanks to evolution. I read an article recently about how a Prime minister of a certain country was able to protect the citizens from COVID 19 with a great plan in place. This is not very shocking, it is the need of the hour. However, what made this article more interesting (or rather full of admiration) was that this PM is a woman. Why is it so shocking that there is a need to point this out? Maybe to put in a larger piece of news in perspective that many capable male PM or President have not been able to do so and it is rather shameful.

It is not an equal world, not even close to being one. Just the idea that women need to be treated differently kills the idea that they are considered equal. Now do not mistake me that I do not appreciate the idea of Women’s day. I would just rather prefer it if it was Diversity day. Calling out to one gender is not exactly an idea for a society that believes in equal rights- ‘Hey you, woman, you are special to this organization because you improve our gender balance. Also here is a free gift and a lame mass-printed card.’ (If you are interested, do read about the significance of International Women’s day: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/About)

It is even worse in organizations where you are judged according to your marital status. If you are single, well then many think it certainly is okay to pass casual sexual remarks on your looks or clothes. If you are married, well then promotion is unlikely for you since you may just leave the job anytime. If you are expecting a child, well then you should hope you have the same job when you come back from maternity leave.

The crux of the problem is that the same attitude and behavior which would lead to a man being successful at work is not the same for a woman. It is set deep within our culture, to perceive men and women differently. This impacts everything- from appreciation to promotion. You are a fool to believe that it is your merit alone that will take you to places. It won’t.Unless you are in an organization that is truly led by leaders who look past your traditional gender roles and belive in uplifting the organization by collective merit and effort; where they will judge everyone across the same set of parameters. It is even more essential to identify the type of place you are in and move in your career accordingly.

(All views expressed are personal)