Gender Bias: What I Wish I Knew

In most cases, I didn’t realize I was experiencing gender bias while it was happening. Usually, I’d tell a friend about a confusing interaction at work and they would tell me that it was harassment or bias. 

1. Get an outside perspective. 

When I realized it was harassment, I started to pay closer attention to my colleagues who were around when it happened and I understood why I was initially unsure.

2. Co-workers ignoring acts of gender bias or harassment that occur in front of them can feel as bad as the mistreatment itself.

If you choose to report the incident(s), you'll likely go from being put in an uncomfortable position to having your character questioned. This is upsetting in and of itself.

3. Even if there is support, the burden of proof is almost always on us. This doesn’t mean don’t report it. Having realistic expectations can help us prepare.

Even unintended bias can take an emotional and physical toll. 

4. You could spend years trying to decide if the source of a person’s bias comes from ignorance or maliciousness. It doesn’t matter, the impact is the same.