I’m filled with frustration right now. It’s hard to articulate all the emotions swirling within me, but anger is definitely at the forefront, charging ahead like a warrior ready for battle.
I dedicate myself to my job and excel at it. I put in long hours, including late-night calls and early morning emails. I pride myself on being personable and intelligent, and I embrace the challenges of my work with enthusiasm. For my age, I earn a respectable salary and take pride in the progress I’ve made in my career. I’ve fought tooth and nail for every dollar I earn, navigating numerous role changes and taking on added responsibilities. Nothing has ever been given to me on a silver platter.
Yet, despite my accomplishments, I still feel inferior to my male colleagues, whether they are my superiors or peers. My current position is one that should command respect, but I often find myself treated more like an assistant than the experienced professional I am.
Time and again, I find myself gritting my teeth and agreeing to perform tasks that diminish my role, like entering numbers into spreadsheets or booking reservations for meetings that everyone else is attending. I know I have much more to offer, yet I often feel trapped in this limited perception of my capabilities.
Then there are days like today, when the weight of it all becomes unbearable. It feels as though the men who stifle my potential are suffocating me. A male superior, aware of a project I was spearheading, actively sought to undermine my efforts because he disagreed with my approach. He discussed his thoughts with everyone but me, making it clear he was intent on discrediting my work.
When I learned about this from a female colleague, I was seething with rage. However, I managed to calm myself and approach this so-called professional to discuss the situation in hopes of finding common ground. I had prepared my notes and articulated my points clearly. I wanted to engage in a constructive conversation and establish a better way to navigate similar issues moving forward.
Now, gentlemen, here’s a reminder: Women have every right to express our opinions and feelings at work, just as you do. We deserve to discuss matters that impact us with the same level of respect.
When I walked into this toxic male’s office, I was clear and direct. Then, I made a mistake. I chose to use the word “feel,” and that triggered a childish response from him. He dramatically clutched his chest, threw his head back, and mocked me with, “Ohhhh, did I hurt your feelings?”
I was taken aback, feeling humiliated that someone in his position would respond so dismissively. Would he have said something similar to a male executive who expressed his feelings? Absolutely not. He knew he could belittle me because I was a woman and he felt safe behind closed doors, where it was my word against his.
I am intelligent, skilled, and genuinely excel at my job. Yet, I will always encounter individuals who undermine my opinions simply because I am a woman. This realization saddens me deeply, but it also ignites a fierce anger within me.
Women before me have fought tirelessly for equal rights, and it’s disheartening that I find myself having to advocate for my own. But I refuse to back down. I have a daughter who looks up to me, and I want her to see a mother who stands strong against injustice. It’s crucial that she understands that such treatment is unacceptable and should never be tolerated.
So, I will take a deep breath and step into the light. I’m ready to dismantle any barriers in my path. I’ve tried the diplomatic route, and now it’s time to take a stand. My feelings are valid, and I won’t let anyone weaponize them against me. I’m done being judged based solely on my gender. It’s time for my anger to take center stage. If men lead with anger when I express emotions, maybe if I do the same, it will give them something to truly complain about.
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In summary, I am determined to confront the sexism I face at work and advocate for my rights as a professional woman. I will not let my gender define my worth or limit my potential.