Exposing the Ever-existing Gender Challenges in the Corporate World: The Necessity and Audacity of Breaking Misogynist Stereotypes

Dibya Guragain(Silver Insights)

We call today’s era a progressive and inclusive one where the corporate world has come a long way in promoting diversity and inclusivity in terms of gender, age, class, and ethnicity. However, it would be naive to assume that the challenges have been entirely eradicated, especially the gender-related ones. 

Do you think you don’t find any discomfort in being a female employee? Why are we ignoring or silently digesting the fact that the world can never be fair to women instead of advocating and fighting for fairness and justice?

As a girl in the corporate world, I believe it's crucial to shed light on the discomfort females face, especially regarding the inappropriate use of gender-based humor and the insensitivity towards serious matters like child grooming. It's high time we collectively address these issues and consciously choose a more equitable and respectful work environment as responsible and educated professionals.

Gender-Based Jokes: Harmful Microaggressions

Gender-Based Jokes are Harmful

One of the challenges that females often face in the corporate world is the prevalence of gender-based jokes and microaggressions. These seemingly harmless comments might be intended as jokes, but they can highly reflect stereotypes, undermining women's abilities, and creating an uncomfortable atmosphere. Besides, talented and experienced female professionals have to constantly defend their capabilities against outdated perceptions as a result of these microaggressions. Dear fellows, it’s time to realize that minor things are major things; less is more.

When highly talented professionals engage in such humor, they unknowingly promote an environment that disregards the progress made in promoting gender equality. On the other hand, they also reflect their patriarchal upbringing and the conservative society they belong to; no matter how good they are at work. That is why, I dedicate this article to everyone who needs to reflect upon themselves in building a corporate culture where humor is inclusive and uplifting, rather than causing discomfort or perpetuating stereotypes.

Addressing Child Grooming: A Serious Matter

Stop Making Jokes on Child Grooming

I keep the audacity to expose a concerning issue that reveals the lack of sensitivity towards topics as serious as child grooming. This type of behavior is entirely unacceptable, and it's disheartening to see some individuals dismiss it as a joke. Even Though the individuals happen to be responsible fathers or brothers to an underage girl, they disregard the rights of the underage and burp out anything they feel like on such sensitive issues.

I think, in a professional environment, discussions about sensitive matters should be conducted with the utmost respect and seriousness. By making fun of topics like child grooming, let me remind everyone that we undermine the values of empathy and compassion that should be at the core of any workplace culture. Similarly, there’s no place for such a barbarous attitude in the other part of the world; which is much more advanced than the one you were brought up in.

Promoting Change and Inclusivity

Don't feel insecure about equality 

Change begins with awareness, education, and open conversations. As professionals, we must come together to build a more respectful and inclusive work environment. Here are a few steps we can take to address these challenges:

Educate and Raise Awareness: Organize workshops and training sessions to raise awareness about the impact of gender-based jokes and the importance of sensitivity towards serious matters.

Lead by Example: As senior professionals, it's essential to set a civilized tone for the workplace culture. At least you can avoid participating in or promoting inappropriate humor, and encourage others to avoid it too.

Open Dialogue: Create safe spaces for open conversations about workplace challenges, especially the ones regarding gender. Encourage employees to voice their concerns without the fear of revenge because the strength of a true leader lies in the strength of team members. 

Establish Clear Policies: Ensure that the company has well-defined policies against harassment, discrimination, and insensitive behavior. As a brand, it is important for corporate businesses to not highlight gender-based topics or accused individuals who have been a part of any form of crime in their lifetime. Although it could be an easy way of gaining attention; the long-term impression is always costly for the business. Also, it is the responsibility of the administration to strictly enforce these policies and even punish the individuals who do not abide by the rules.

Empower Allies: Encourage male colleagues to become allies in the fight for gender equality. Their support can play a crucial role in dismantling stereotypes. On the other hand, female professionals should let go of their stereotypical mentality and stand against any form of misbehavior or discomfort they face.

Although we've made significant progress in promoting gender equality in the corporate world, there's still a lot of work to be done. We need to understand that equal payment policies or paid leaves are just not enough to resolve such serious discriminatory issues. Addressing challenges related to gender-based humor or insensitivity towards serious matters is essential for creating an inclusive and respectful work environment. I, as a civilized human being, advocate for changing the rude culture of gender-based humor or finding humor in topics like rape and child grooming.

Dibyas' Magical Pie Shop

 

Once upon a time, in a charming village nestled between rolling hills, there stood a small pie shop known as "Magic Pies." The shop was run by an elderly woman named Dibya, who was renowned throughout the village for her enchanting pies that seemed to cast a spell on anyone who tasted them.

Every morning, Dibya would rise before the sun, don her apron, and set to work creating her delectable pies. The aroma of freshly baked pies would spread through the village, drawing people in from far and wide. Despite the fame of her pies, Dibya never seemed interested in making a fortune because she had a different priority - branding her pies with love and care.

The village, however, was not just any village. It was filled with people who were always in a hurry, chasing after money and success. On the other hand, they would often pass by Magic Pies on their way to more profitable endeavors, ignoring the little shop's magic. To them, Dibyas' dedication to branding her pies with love seemed foolish. "Why waste time on branding when you could be making more money?" they would scoff.

One day, a shrewd businessman named Mr. Ratna arrived in the village. Hearing about the magical pies, he saw an opportunity to turn Dibyas' humble shop into a money-making empire. As a result, he offered to buy the shop and promised to make Magic Pies famous far and wide. However, Dibya hesitated to make a firm decision, unsure of what to do.

Seeing Dibya torn, a young girl named Deepika, who had grown up savoring Magic Pies, decided to help. Deepika had always been curious about the magic behind the pies and believed in the power of Dibyas' branding. So, she approached Dibya with an idea.

Together, Dibya and Deepika transformed the shop into a place of wonder. They painted the exterior with vibrant colors, hung twinkling lights, and created a cozy seating area for people to enjoy their pies. Likewise, Dibya also began to share stories of the love and care she poured into each pie, creating a deeper connection with her customers.

As word spread about the new and magical atmosphere at Magic Pies, people flocked to the shop, not just for the delicious pies, but for the enchanting experience. On top of that, families came to celebrate birthdays, couples held romantic dates, and friends gathered to make cherished memories. Deepika even started organizing pie-making workshops, where people could learn the art of pie-making and the importance of infusing love into their creations.

With time, Magic Pies became a beloved destination, not just for its pies, but for the joy, love, and magic it brought into people's lives. Dibyas' commitment to branding her pies with love had created something far more valuable than money - a community filled with happiness and cherished moments.

And so, the village learned a valuable lesson. While money is important, it's the heart and soul poured into something that truly makes it magical. Dibya and Deepika showed that branding with love and care can create a lasting impact that goes beyond monetary gains, enriching the lives of everyone it touches.