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Calvin Asks: How do I handle sexism at work?

I've just started an adult apprenticeship as the first female in this specific trade.

Mostly I've felt welcomed but there is one colleague that, well, isn't welcoming.

So far I've tried not reacting but he seems to escalate because hes not getting a response. When I do respond, he becomes almost unresponsive and near impossible to work with (he will simply blank me). It's like he goads me but then becomes upset that a woman has 'questioned' him. Other colleagues have commented on how rude he can be towards me but mostly keep clear of it (I don't blame them).

I'm mostly asking for advice from other women working in engineering. How do i handle this? 

This job requires a great deal of trust in the people you're working with so I don't want to report him just yet as I know this could make others wary of working with me. At the same time I don't want to listen to his comments of "all women are prostitutes" and "once a woman's been bred they're no good" as well as being blanked completely.

Please help!

Exasperated of Exeter. 

 

Need advice but  too shy to ask? Have a question of a sensitive nature and would prefer to remain anonymous? Need to get something off your chest but worried about the boss (or your colleagues) finding out? Then Ask Calvin! Submit your questions confidentially to AskCalvin@theiet.org and Calvin will ask the community on your behalf to give you the anonymity you want to find the advice you need.
 

Parents
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member

    Exasperated,

    Lots of good advice here. Here is what I think…

     

    Option 1

    From the perspective of a dad to four daughters… I would say… First: tell your line manager to have a word with this bonehead and sort it out- as you won't stand for his behaviour! If after that, the guy persists, then… kick him square in the middle, and follow throw with a knee to his filthy mouth - leave the job with a sore foot and knee, but with your dignity intact… There will be other opportunities!

     

    Option 2 (probably the best advice on this thread!)

    From a professional perspective … Take Andy's advice. 

     

    Don't give up on your aspirations in engineering. I would love for all my daughters and my son to pursue careers in engineering. Be brave!

    Best regards,

    Karl

Reply
  • Former Community Member
    0 Former Community Member

    Exasperated,

    Lots of good advice here. Here is what I think…

     

    Option 1

    From the perspective of a dad to four daughters… I would say… First: tell your line manager to have a word with this bonehead and sort it out- as you won't stand for his behaviour! If after that, the guy persists, then… kick him square in the middle, and follow throw with a knee to his filthy mouth - leave the job with a sore foot and knee, but with your dignity intact… There will be other opportunities!

     

    Option 2 (probably the best advice on this thread!)

    From a professional perspective … Take Andy's advice. 

     

    Don't give up on your aspirations in engineering. I would love for all my daughters and my son to pursue careers in engineering. Be brave!

    Best regards,

    Karl

Children
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