I rarely talk about work in detail. Sorry, just how it is, but I feel I need to get this off my chest.

Yesterday the strategic plan for our workplace was set out. It was focusing on some basic goals for the next 5-10-20 years. Great. One of the things that was mentioned was that we need a cafeteria.

What?

Yes folks, we have a lunch cart. Literally a cart with food on it and we can buy from there and eat in the lobby where tables are set up. In the summer, we can go to the courtyard. Usually, we bring in food or go out to lunch at one of the many fine establishments nearby.

The idea was that a cafeteria will allow more people to come together to discuss their ideas and foster the growth of science.

Okay, I can see that. Now what was missing?

We recently had a 2 year study on gender equity. This study showed that for some staff, women were in dead end jobs, women had less chance of upward mobility in salary, women had less office space, women at the same "grade" as men has less pay at all levels.

Was this addressed in our strategic plan? No. I called the committee on the carpet for this. They said, yes yes, we will include it. We missed it.

How the hell do you "miss it"? How can you say that 1/3 of your employees are not part of the plan?

And then we wonder why women are not doing as well as men in science?

The guy next to me yesterday actually asked "Are you concerned about gender equity?" and I said "Of course. I I’ve been passed over things for men when I was clearly the better person for the job". He was shocked.
I think that is part of the problem. Some people don’t see gender as an issue so they assume everyone does the same as them. Some people still punish women for having families. Some women take dead end jobs because they don’t need to be the bread winner…. the list goes on.

But in any organization, understanding why there are differences needs to be addressed.
And I am ashamed that they "missed" this.

The claim is they will have it in the final report. One of the senior scientists whom I dearly respect came over and gave me a brava for calling her on this (she was on the committee). She wants more women to make a stand.

and that is what we have to do….