Gender-Based Disparities
Men are consistently promoted faster or paid more for the same role. Women are overlooked for leadership roles or challenging projects.
Example: If you notice that women are disproportionately in support roles while men dominate decision-making positions, it’s a red flag.
Subtle (or Overt) Sexism
Regular microaggressions, like comments about your appearance or suitability for certain roles.”Jokes” that stereotype or demean women, with no accountability for those making them.
Example: Being told to “smile more” or having your ideas dismissed until a male colleague repeats them.
Unequal Expectations
Women are judged more harshly for mistakes or face double standards.Behavior celebrated as “assertive” in men is labeled “bossy” or “aggressive” in women.
Example: If a male colleague interrupts in meetings, it’s seen as leadership, but when you do, it’s called rude.
Harassment or Inappropriate BehaviorSexual harassment, inappropriate jokes, or an environment where such behavior is normalized.Lack of a clear, enforced policy for addressing complaints.
Example: An office culture where complaints about harassment are dismissed as “overreactions.”
Overload of Emotional Labor
Women are expected to manage office harmony or take on tasks like note-taking or party planning.Your male colleagues are praised for results, while you’re expected to “be a team player.”
Example: Being tasked with organizing team events while men focus solely on their core responsibilities.
Unequal Opportunities for GrowthFewer mentorship or sponsorship opportunities for women.Lack of training programs or resources targeted at women’s advancement.
Example: Men are encouraged to network with senior leadership, while women are sidelined.
Workplace Motherhood PenaltyWomen with children are passed over for promotions or perceived as less committed.Colleagues make snide remarks about maternity leave or work-life balance.
Example: Hearing comments like, “You won’t be able to handle this role with kids at home.”
Lack of Policies Supporting Women
No or inadequate maternity leave, flexible working options, or anti-harassment training.Failure to address the gender pay gap or encourage inclusivity.
Example: A workplace where requesting flexibility is seen as a weakness.
No Women at the Top
A lack of women in senior positions or on the board of directors.Leadership is resistant to discussing or addressing gender diversity.
Example: The leadership team is entirely male, despite many qualified women in the company.
Tokenism
You feel like you’re only included in projects to “tick the diversity box.”Leadership highlights one woman’s success to ignore broader issues of gender inequality.
Example: “We have a female VP, so we don’t need to discuss gender bias.”
