The Workplace Diaries I

Workplace misogyny thrives under a blanket of secrecy, micro-aggressions, and cultural acceptance. Fear of speaking out further accelerates corrosive attitudes. And that is because often the people making toxic and debilitating comments are also those responsible for career-defining decisions.

“The Workplace Diaries” draws on real-life experience.

My research and interviews for this series covers a wide age demographic across multiple business sectors. The photos are all women who, despite experiencing discriminatory and toxic behaviour, are successful in business.

I did not want to use their adult images in this series of work, because there could be a risk of recrimination (for my subjects). The childhood images represent hope and innocence. They are real. As are the words. Little girls dream big and hope in a world that they can do and be whatever they want to be.

Casual, throwaway, and unexpected commentary can have a lifelong impact. Misogynistic behaviour wraps constraints and forms limiting beliefs in those who experience it. Each piece in this series carries a narrative built on lived experience.

I understand the lifelong impact ‘innocent’ remarks and commentary have, because I coach and work alongside women in business. And, having spent over two decades running HR functions in the communication, financial service, and tech sectors, I have witnessed its impact first-hand.

I would like to thank these brave women who shared their stories and agreed to allow me to use their experiences and their images to highlight and educate others on this issue. We all hope that we can create a kinder and more thoughtful workplace for everyone. If you are wondering if ‘this kind of thing still happens’ I think many women will confirm it still does.