You’re not imagining it: the workplace is becoming more hostile for women Part 1

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As we welcome the arrival of June with its longer, warmer days, it's important to address a concerning issue that is casting a lingering shadow over the workplace: the growing hostility that women face in their professional environments. In the first part of our June blog series, we bring into focus the unsettling reality encountered by many young women as they forge their paths in their careers.?

A recent study conducted by the Women’s Trust reveals a worrying trend—an increase in gender-based discrimination, leaving young women to contend with being undermined, underpaid, and overlooked in their roles. The data reveals a grim picture: 50% of women aged 18-30 have reported experiencing discrimination at work, a significant rise from 42% in the previous year. Even more concerning is that a quarter of these women are suffering in silence, hesitant to confront the disparaging comments, dismissive behaviour, and pay inequality they face daily.?

The workplace ought to be a realm of growth and opportunity, not one marred by conflict and disadvantage. Through this blog, we aim to amplify those voices that have been stifled, to ignite conversation, and to encourage change. We invite you to join us in exploring these issues, sharing your own experiences, and looking into the strategies offered by organisations like BelEve, which empowers young women to navigate and stand strong against adversity at work.?

Together, let's address these challenges, advocate for fairness, and strive towards a future where every woman's contributions are recognised and celebrated.?

Thousands of young women have reported feeling undermined, underpaid and overlooked at work.?A study by the women’s trust (https://www.youngwomenstrust.org/) reveals that we’re seeing an increase in gender-based discrimination in the workplace.?

The Women’s Trust annual survey of 4,000 women aged 18-30 found that 50% have experienced discrimination at work, a jump from 42% in 2023. Even worse, 25% are suffering in silence, feeling unable to challenge the sexist comments, dismissive behaviour and salary inequality they’re facing day in, day out.?What has been your first-hand experience of this in the workplace??

Discrimination in the workplace, including sexist comments, dismissive behaviour, and salary inequality, can create a hostile and unfair environment for employees, particularly women.?

Sexist comments and dismissive behaviour can undermine women's contributions, erode their confidence, and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. This type of discrimination can range from subtle microaggressions to overt acts of sexism, all of which contribute to a toxic work culture and hinder women's professional growth and well-being.??

Salary inequality, where women are paid less than their male counterparts for equal work, is a pervasive form of discrimination that perpetuates economic disparities and reinforces gender-based discrimination. This inequality not only impacts women's financial security but also sends a message that their contributions are undervalued and less deserving of fair compensation.?

Feeling unable to challenge discrimination in the workplace can further exacerbate the problem, as it perpetuates a culture of silence and impunity. Women may fear retaliation, professional repercussions, or not being taken seriously if they speak out against discrimination, leading them to suffer in silence and endure unfair treatment.??

Addressing discrimination in the workplace requires proactive measures to promote gender equality, foster inclusive cultures, and enforce policies and laws that protect against discrimination and harassment. This includes implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives, providing training on unconscious bias and respectful workplace behaviour, and establishing transparent processes for addressing grievances and enforcing accountability.???

Creating supportive networks and allies within the workplace can also empower women to speak out against discrimination and advocate for change collectively. By amplifying their voices, challenging discriminatory practices, and fostering cultures of respect and equality, we can create workplaces where all individuals are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect, regardless of gender.?

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• What impact can a hostile environment at work have for young women down the line???

Constantly being undermined and underestimated has a huge knock-on impact, not just on our ability to be heard and respected at work, but also on our earning power.??

• What advice do you give young women who form part of the sisterhood at BelEve, to prepare them for potential hostile environment at work???

At BelEve, we provide young women with support, guidance, and resources to navigate potential hostile environments at work. Here are some pieces of advice we offer to prepare them for such situations:?

1. Know Your Rights: Educate yourself about your legal rights and protections against discrimination, harassment, and unfair treatment in the workplace. Familiarize yourself with company policies and procedures for addressing grievances and reporting misconduct.?
2. Build Confidence: Build your self-confidence and assertiveness skills to advocate for yourself and assert your boundaries in challenging situations. Practice assertive communication techniques, such as speaking up respectfully, setting clear expectations, and advocating for your needs.???
3. Seek Allies and Support: Build a supportive network of allies within your workplace who can offer guidance, advice, and solidarity. Having allies who can validate your experiences and support you in navigating difficult situations can be invaluable.?
4. Document Incidents: Keep a record of any instances of discrimination, harassment, or unfair treatment you experience or witness in the workplace. Documenting details such as dates, times, individuals involved, and specific behaviors can provide evidence if you need to report misconduct or seek recourse.??
5. Practice Self-Care: Prioritize self-care and well-being to cope with stress and maintain resilience in challenging environments. Take breaks when needed, engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, and seek support from trusted friends, family members, or mental health professionals if necessary.??
6. Know When to Seek Help: Recognize when a situation becomes untenable or escalates to the point where you need to seek external assistance. Reach out to human resources, a supervisor, or an employment lawyer if you experience persistent or severe harassment, discrimination, or retaliation in the workplace.??
7. Explore Options: Explore your options for addressing workplace hostility, whether through internal channels such as reporting to HR or seeking external support from advocacy organizations or legal resources. Consider consulting with a trusted mentor or advisor to explore your options and develop a strategy for addressing the situation effectively.?
8. Stay Resilient: Remember that you are not alone, and there are resources and support available to help you navigate challenging situations. Stay resilient, stay true to yourself, and know that your voice matters. By advocating for yourself and standing up against injustice, you contribute to creating a more equitable and respectful workplace for yourself and others

As we conclude this first part of our exploration into the increasing challenges women are navigating in the workplace, we recognise that there is much work to be done. Shifting the narrative requires a joint effort and a supportive community. If you're feeling moved to take part in empowering and uplifting the next generation of female leaders, know that you can make an impact.

At BelEve UK, we are dedicated to creating a nurturing space where girls and young women can cultivate the confidence, resilience, and compassion needed to succeed and become changemakers in their fields and beyond. Your support, guidance, or even a simple act of kindness can have a profound effect on this journey.

Join us in our commitment to empowering tomorrow's leaders. For more information on how you can contribute to shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for young girls and women, please visit BelEveuk.org. Together, we can create an environment where women thrive, not just survive.

Don't forget to join us for the continuation of this crucial discussion in Part 2 of "You're not imagining it: the workplace is becoming more hostile for women," and let's build a world where every woman has the opportunity to BelEve in her potential to run the world.