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SOMETHING LIGHT
So, the question is, do women in business experience more hardship because of their gender? We asked a couple of 'Girls on the Street' about this and how they have dealt with it. This is what they had to say:
Tanya, 34 (PR Consulting)
I was at a pitch earlier this year, trying to bid for a contract to manage a huge campaign. After my presentation, the Head of Marketing expressed his love and interest for our ideas, then asked who the CEO of the company was. When I told him it was me, he smiled and jokingly said “I can't work with women”. I did not get that contract.Was that linked to my gender?
Shade, 28 (FinTech)
Being the only female co-founder amongst two guys, I find myself hiding in the shadows of my partners even though I am the brains behind a lot of our major projects. One day, during a meeting, one of our investors insinuated that I was a 'figure-head', there for 'gender balance'. I immediately started speaking up and taking more ownership after that encounter. What about you? Do you think women in business face more challenges because of their gender? How have you dealt with this personally? Let us know! Shoot us an email anytime, we would love to hear your story.
Caroline, 36 (Asset Management)
I get a lot of doubts from my clients in the beginning of our engagements. They just don't trust my expertise, but with all my years of experience, I've learnt to build trust by putting in extra work at the start of a new relationship. They may not trust my skills as a woman, but they cannot deny the results when they see it.
Vanessa, 31 (Optometrist)
I don't think there is any bias in my field. People do not really care who owns the clinic or who their doctor is. They just want to get their eyes fixed. The only discrimination I faceisreallyforbeingyounger.Many of my older patients prefer medical advice from 'older' doctors.
Get Involved and ShareYour Story!
Do you have a story to tell, or know any woman whose story needs to be told? We are always excited to share stories of exceptional young women changing the narrative around them. Send an email to girlafricang@gmail.com and we will get back to you! Follow us on social media (@girlafricang), and check out our website (www.girlafricang.com) to join the conversation on Gender Equality & Female Empowerment every week! Show your support for the Sisterhood, subscribe to our quarterly magazine (Girl Africa Magazine), listen to our podcast 'Sister Talk' and be part of any of our upcoming events. Let's change the narrative together!
*Source: Girl Africa
PAGE 9 INSIDE ACCESS | SEPTEMBER 2020 1ST EDITION