In the bustling world of business, where every decision and every word holds weight, a silent struggle persists—one that often goes unnoticed, yet profoundly affects the trajectory of women in the corporate world. From college classrooms to boardrooms, the insidious nature of societal treatment subtly shapes the self-perception of women, fostering an environment where their voices are stifled, actions are questioned, and confidence is diminished. While this is not exactly breaking news, its reoccurring presence has yet to spark meaningful change in atmospheres involving women. 

I may just sound like every other feminist in the book, addressing an issue that you've repeatedly heard of. However, the crux of the matter is people admitting and acknowledging this as an issue without truly grasping its implications. Response such as "I've never treated a woman poorly at work, what do you mean?" or "It's not that bad; I work with women, and they seem fine" are not uncommon. People fail to consider maybe it is not a problem that you can clearly see, perhaps it is silent struggle gradually unfolding, right in plain sight, constantly overlooked. 

The journey begins in college, a time when young minds are eager to learn, grow, and shape their identities. Unfortunately, for many women, this period becomes a breeding ground for self-doubt and diminished confidence. In college my experiences may be limited, however, the instances I have witnessed within my short time speak volumes. Instances of derogatory remarks and sly comments, often indirect but nonetheless harmful, find their way into the academic environment. Also, the subtle undercurrent where women feel hesitant or discouraged from actively participating or voicing their thoughts. A recent college experience of mine highlights this issue: during a semester project report, out of 40 presenters, 8 of them were women, meaning 80% were male presenters. It raises questions about whether the women were not willing to present or simply not given the opportunity to do so. It is a situation where blame is often unfairly placed on women for not seizing the chance, perpetuating a cycle of inequality.  

Maybe people should stop and consider that perhaps the women in the groups were never given a fair shot, for a number of reasons. Male students may unknowingly dominate discussions, leaving their female peers feeling overlooked and undervalued. They aren’t often included in the conversation and instead handed a pen and notepad to take notes while the men discuss. Their imposter syndrome creeps in, questioning whether they truly deserve a seat at the table. Yet, the problem lies not in the capabilities of women but in societal expectations that have been ingrained from an early age. It really makes you question about the atmosphere created amongst peers where only eight women are presenting, and that more people are no longer questioning why that is.  

Another point related to why women are not properly acknowledged is because often times emotions are dismissed in a corporate setting. While they instead need to be acknowledged as a valid reality. In another classroom experience, after a female student presented her assignment, and another student stated that if she wants to be taken seriously, she should change the way she speaks. Why should she change the way she speaks if it doesn't harm anyone? Instead, why can't others change the way they listen. Speaking with sentiment as a woman is easily viewed as overly emotion in the eyes of the many. However, if a man were to express the same sentiment, it would have been interpreted as "passionate." It's interesting how the perception shifts based on the speaker. If emotions in the classroom or workplace were properly acknowledged, than half the problems faced would be so easily avoidable. 

The dynamics of gender are further exacerbated in the professional world. Tales of CEOs and their lonely female assistants persist, illustrating the deeply ingrained gender stereotypes that continue to prevail. The subtle discrimination is clear in everyday interactions, from classrooms to workplaces. Ignorant comments and “helpful” pieces of advice are told to women as if they asked for it. Apparently, telling a woman to “smile more” is a novel piece of advice. A female professor of mine recalls a similar instance where she had called for IT to help her out in the classroom and when they had finally arrived, they had asked her and her fellow female professor where the professors were. It's as if the assumption was that the professors in the room would be men, disregarding the possibility that either of the two female adults in the room could be the professors. This shows that perceptions are nine times out of ten influenced by assumptions or expectations rooted in past experiences. 

The same professor mentioned to me that she was subject to subtle microaggressions and faced many daily challenges based on her gender throughout her career. This slowly becomes a relentless battle for recognition and respect all woman face. 

In the business realm, the experiences are magnified. Women are often subjected to unspoken expectations, shouldering domestic duties, and societal pressures that their male counterparts may not face. To break free from this cycle, women must advocate for themselves in a way that transcends mere conversation. The key lies in self-advocacy, rooted in shifting work culture. Cultural shifts are imperative, demanding attentiveness and an awakening to the blind spots that perpetuate gender inequalities people may have never noticed in the past. This idea of self-doubt and disbelief in oneself starts from the very beginning where women begin to develop their career paths. From the very start, the notion that women are inadequate or unwelcome is ingrained in them, and eliminating this culture would be beneficial for everyone. Establishing a positive work environment, where everyone is valued and contributes to high-quality work, is the goal. 

As we navigate this complex terrain, it is essential to recognize that change starts with both men and women. It is not about changing the way women speak; it is about changing the way everyone listens. The imposter syndrome is not a reflection of inadequacy but a consequence of societal conditioning. It is time to challenge these norms, creating a space where every voice, irrespective of gender, is heard and respected. The journey toward equality is ongoing, but with awareness, advocacy, and collective effort, we can dismantle the silent struggles. Perhaps we can start in the classroom, where it all begins. Let's open our ears a bit more, you may be surprised at how differently you hear things when you are no longer searching for something.