Misogyny
Misogyny is the dislike of, contempt for, or ingrained prejudice against women.
No man ever thinks he is a misogynist. Actually, misogynists roll their eyes at the thought. Just another emotional woman making excuses.
When is the last time you heard a man described as emotional? The same behavior in men is considered direct and rarely called out by other men.
If someone calls you “emotional” say, “I don’t personally characterize your behavior, please give me the same courtesy.” Call it out and move on.
Misogyny is an invisible cancer that erodes identity, confidence, sleep, and self-trust. Women are blindsided by it and start questioning themselves not the culture.
This is a systemic issue because when people witnessing it don’t course correct, tolerance becomes normalized. HR can minimize it especially if he's stereotyped you. Colleagues start saying things like….
“It’s just a personality conflict.”
“She’s not executive material.”
“She’s green.”
“She’ll never last 5 minutes in front of the CEO.”
Misogyny is often dismissed as “No Big Deal.” A woman’s idea gets ignored in a meeting, then praised when a man repeats it. Women get asked to take notes, plan parties, or handle “office housework” regardless of role or seniority. Compliments focus on appearance instead of competence.
Women can be passed over for stretch assignments or promotions due to assumptions about motherhood, age, or “bandwidth.” They are told you’re “not ready” without clear feedback or metrics.
Men are often promoted based on potential, women on proven performance. A woman will often over-prepare or over-perform to be seen as credible. Male colleagues can speak over or interrupt women without consequence.
Then there is pay inequity for the same role and experience.
This is very important >>> misogynists are extremely uncomfortable being challenged by a strong woman and often will lie and make her a scapegoat – defaming her behind her back, plotting against her, getting others to avoid her, making it clear he does not approve of her so beware if you align with her.
Otherwise likable, these misogynists do this so that other people, especially women, see what will happen to them if they challenge him. This is why misogyny is a systemic issue in corporations. It annihilates upward mobility. It isolates the victim. They play small and then underperform.
Women say:
“I don’t feel like myself. I'm so distracted.”
“I’ve lost my confidence.”
“I used to love my work—now I’m just managing.”
We shouldn’t ask > How do I survive misogyny?
We should ask > How do I stay anchored in who I am—no matter what environment I’m in?
Because the moment you become anxiety-driven instead of identity-led, the system wins.
Many high-performing women don’t leave because they’re weak. They leave because they’re tired of proving their worth in systems that diminish them.
Sadly, most of the time it doesn't get better until the misogynist or the victim leave.
If this resonates with you may want to take my new free mini course: Be Seen, Be Heard, Be Paid!
Because success is freedom, not more hours. Access it here >>> https://www.maryleegannon.com/free-mini-course-for-leaders-1
Special Podcast: Leadership is the Way: In this episode Mary Lee is interviewed by former Nuclear Submarine Officer and president of Peak Demand Jon Rennie of The Deep Leadership Podcast on leadership styles, executive presence, emotional intelligence, and advancing in your career.
Listen to Mary Lee's "The Still Space Podcast" wherever you listen to podcasts or here: Mary Lee’s website Apple Spotify
If you are feeling age discrimination when your company should be putting your expertise to good use, this link to the strategies I share with my clients might help >>> 10 Tips When You Fear Age Bias
If you are struggling with uncertainty and feel exhausted and ineffective watch my FREE Training on Three Ways to Move to the Next Level In Your Career Right Now to 1) identify the right role for you, 2) position your transferable skills and 3) create a career portfolio that sells you before you even get an interview. If you don't know where you will be at the end of the year, you are already there.
Your coach,
Mary Lee
P.S. Feel free to send this link to someone who could benefit from it. We are all walking down the same road in life looking for a hand to hold. Sometimes we must be the hand that reaches out.
Mary Lee Gannon, ACC, CAE is an executive coach and 19-year corporate CEO who helps leaders have more effective careers, happier lives and better relationships. Request a free consultation call.
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