Experiencing gender discrimination at work

Anonymous

March 19,2022 at 12:27AM UTC

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Experiencing gender discrimination at work

Has it happened to you? I once worked for a public agency where it was obvious men operated under different rules. Unfortunately, though, my own female boss had discriminated against me. The discrimination was obvious but HR backed her saying she's the boss so she can do what she needs to do. She treated her male employees very well, giving them huge travel expense accounts. When it came to me, so sorry, no money this year. This is just one example.

The all-male leadership did not want to get involved. I ended up filing a complaint and as a result, became persona non grata, Eventually left for another job. I took the issue to a few lawyers who said the case would be hard to prove because the boss was female and it would be chalked up to a personality conflict (that's what HR called it as well in the response to my complaint) so I never took the legal route.

For those of you who have dealt with gender discrimination, how did it play out?

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Melissa Mellor, COOMarch 19,2022 at 1:35AM UTC
I've dealt with this my whole career. Blatant and subliminal. The issue is that when men are in power, they don't see it. It's not always a direct intent. So as long as they are on top, they don't even realize it's wrong.
I don't blame them... It's what they know and it's hard to see otherwise.
My husband sees it through having me around but most men don't have women who have a voice like I do with a man in power who can advocate for them.
Times are changing but part of the process is some of the old cliché white males leaving the workforce to make space for new energy.
I persisted for a good 15 years. Won some battles, lost others. I finally letf my industry and now lead a powerful female team that has changed my outlook, job satisfaction and value drastically. I also started using RRT to clear my hurt, frustration and value issues.
If I could give my younger self some advice, it would be don't waste your breath. Get aligned with a place that makes you feel good and use RRT to clear all the emotions along the way.
I'm sorry you're experiencing this. Women have come so far.... But in other respects wr have so far to go.
You're worthy. Never forget that. Don't let this experience squish your spirit and fire!
AnonymousMarch 21,2022 at 7:54PM UTC
I don't have experience with this... but I'm sorry you had to deal with this and glad you got a new job!