If a common idiom in writing is ‘write what you know’ it seems appropriate and timely to share my thoughts with you about the intersection of gender bias and ageism for International Women’s Day 2024. The theme this year is Inspire Inclusion to ‘help forge a better, more inclusive world for women.’
I’ve posted in honour of IWD before, reimagining my feminist manifesto in 2022 and in 2021 when I considered the theme #ChooseToChallenge.
This year, InternationalWomensDay.com calls on us to “Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.”
I have thoughts
There is no shortage of data detailing how ageism affects women differently from men. If you take a moment to think about it, you’ll know it’s true. In our patriarchal society, men get more distinguished as they age while women just get older, and tired-looking. We are condemned in equal measure whether we do or don’t do anything to enhance our appearance or minimize the signs of aging. Women are bombarded, from early on, with anti-aging messages reminding us in no uncertain terms, old = bad. How many anti-aging commercials can you think of targeting men? How many target women?
In the Workplace
In the workforce, when women are young they’re inexperienced, and therefore dismissed, or diminished. When they’re mid-career, they’re passed over because they’re deemed to be too burdened by family responsibilities. And when they’re experienced, they’re passed over yet again, this time for people younger, with new ideas.
So please indulge me as I write what I know.
My experience
I have diverse work experience in both the private and public sectors. I’ve reported to the Vice-President of a Fortune 500 company and owned a small business. And I have always had exemplary employee reviews. Yet I have been out of work for three and a half years, unable to find employment in a role that is even close to the level of responsibility I had just a few years ago. I recently started working as a receptionist making about one-quarter what I was previously. My experience and expertise are the same but as a woman, it seems once you’re out of the board room, you’re not allowed back in.
International Women’s Day
It’s just one of the scenes of my unscripted third act that has been challenging to face. Hey, no one said this would be easy. In time for IWD 2023, The Kit posted a great article about how ‘Ageism Is Pushing Women Out of Work.’ Yes, I find solace in knowing this isn’t targeted against me alone, but it doesn’t lessen the sting that comes with this kind of rejection.
At the end of the day, this International Women’s Day 2024, how women experience the workplace as they age in comparison to men is just sexism thinly, poorly veiled as ageism. And I’m getting pretty sick of it.
Who’s with me?
2 responses to “This is Bull$#!+”
You’re right and describing it with eloquence as usual. What is with that theme? So wishy washy. 💗
I agree the theme leaves much to be desired this year. #InspireInclusion… haven’t we been doing that all along? Ugh! Thanks for the support, as always, my dear! Love love to you!