As a woman, I have often found myself in situations where I am the only female in a room full of men. Whether it’s at work or school, the lack of representation can be disheartening. And what’s more jarring, many men don’t even notice it.
This is what I call the “Gender Perception Gap” – the idea that men and women perceive gender inequality differently. It’s not just about noticing the problem, it’s about understanding how it affects us in our daily lives.
Men, I’m not here to blame you for this gap. In fact, it’s not entirely your fault. Our society has been structured in a way that has historically favored men in almost every aspect of life. From job opportunities to education to politics, men have had a head start. As a result, they may not always notice the absence of women in certain spaces.
But here’s the thing: when women are excluded from these spaces, we miss out on valuable opportunities. We miss out on the chance to learn, grow, and contribute to society. And when men don’t notice this exclusion, it perpetuates the problem.
Take a look at this image which was recently posted on LinkedIn with the caption “These are the faces shaping the future – please welcome our most recent Academy members!” Congratulations are certainly in order for these future founders, but can you see what is missing? Is the absence of female faces as jarring to you? Why do you think they are missing?
Here is another image from LinkedIn. This one is from a team that I worked with very closely. In fact two men from this photo would later become my managers. Do you see the gap?
At first glance, it may seem like any other team photo. However, if you look a little closer, you’ll notice that there are only a handful of women in the picture, and most of them are clustered together on the side. This is not just an issue of numbers – it’s also about integration. This photo speaks volumes.
When women are isolated from the rest of the team, it can lead to a lack of connection, understanding, and support. It can also create a sense of exclusion and reinforce gender stereotypes. As a result, women may be less likely to speak up, contribute ideas, or pursue leadership roles. Frequently, they will leave, like I did.
This is why it’s so important to not only increase the number of women in male-dominated fields but also to ensure that they are integrated into the team. This means creating a culture of inclusion, where everyone feels welcome and valued. It means encouraging collaboration and communication, regardless of gender. And it means acknowledging and addressing any biases or barriers that may be preventing women from fully participating.
So, what can we do about this? First and foremost, men need to start paying attention. Take a look around you – how many women do you see? Are they in positions of power and influence? Are they integrated in your team, or standing on the side? And if you see a gap, consider, why is it there?
First step is recognizing the gap. Then comes the work to try and close it. By doing this, we can create teams that are not only more diverse but also more productive, innovative, and fulfilling for everyone involved.
Are you trained to see the gap?