CERONNE BAYLEY

Dear AFETT,

I work in a misogynistic environment. Although I know that my work ethic is high and I can perform my duties well, I often feel undervalued and disrespected.

What should I do?

Dear reader,

My heart goes out to you. Any disdain or contempt for women, exhibited by any gender, has no place in the corridors of leadership and should be taken very seriously.

Let’s start by examining whether or not there is a likelihood that you may be right about your boss.

What is your boss doing or saying to make you think this way?

Misogyny is the hatred of, contempt for or prejudice against women or girls.

While many may agree that misogyny is wrong, the behaviour associated with it is often treated quite casually and remarks or actions that reveal such biases are simply dismissed as harmless. However, if we pay attention, we will be in a better position to discern it and save ourselves, and hopefully others, from a great deal of pain.

People will very rarely openly exclaim: "I don’t like women…never have and never will!"

So, if we are waiting for an open confession to be able to spot misogyny, we might end up waiting forever.

[caption id="attachment_1147420" align="alignnone" width="683"] Ceronne Bayley, AFETT board member. -[/caption]

Toxic attitudes such as this are disguised and hidden beneath micro-aggressive statements that generally go unnoticed.

For example, does your boss disregard the opinions of females, by using dismissive language such as "As a female, it’s no surprise that you think that way."

Comments like these reveal a belief that all women form opinions based on the same cognitive processes.

It shows a lack of regard for and a dismissal of individual experiences that shape a woman’s mindset, which may have absolutely nothing to do with her gender.

Are unprompted comments, gestures or glances repeatedly made based on the physical appearance of females? This can be in the form of excessive compliments based on a woman’s body or clothing or even negative statements relating to a woman’s physical appearance.

If your superior is doing this, it could indicate a perception that women exist to cater to one’s baser, natural instincts.

Does your boss seek validation from males only? Carefully observe whose views your boss chooses to validate decisions.

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When faced with a potential conflict or differing views, does he or she seek only male input to endorse decisions when there are women available with the qualifications, skills and experience to provide input? This is yet another red flag of misogyny.

Does your boss advocate for traditional gender roles by saying, "Women are not good leaders…too emotional" or "What is all this fuss about International Women’s Day? What about International Man’s Day?" Such statements are often said in jest, but if exhibited with other misogynistic traits, they can be an indication that your boss has a disdain for women.

Carefully weigh