Sexism at work isn’t just about the glaringly obvious—it thrives in the everyday, the overlooked, the shrugged-off. It’s when a woman’s insights are met with polite nods but no action—until a man repeats them. It’s in the "assertive man vs. aggressive woman" double standard. It’s the deals made over golf games and whiskey tastings, while women get left off the invite list.
The real issue with silent sexism is that it blends in. It’s in who gets the high-profile projects, who’s expected to be the office mom, who has to prove themselves over and over while others are assumed competent from day one.
Ever noticed how women are asked about "balancing it all" while men are asked about their leadership vision? Or how a female colleague’s pushback is labeled "difficult," while a male counterpart is seen as "decisive"? These aren’t flukes—they’re patterns. And they create a workplace that pretends to be fair while quietly reinforcing old power structures.
The hardest part? The people reinforcing these biases aren’t always doing it on purpose.
They’re good colleagues, mentors, even friends. But when women speak up, they’re often met with defensiveness, disbelief, or a breezy, "That’s just how things are."
So, what actually changes things? Awareness is a start, but action is the point. Who gets interrupted? Who gets credit? Who gets the next big opportunity? Pay attention. Speak up. The system won’t shift on its own.
Let’s talk: What’s the most frustrating example of silent sexism you’ve seen—or experienced—at work?
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