Without giving too much away, risking giving my identity away- I was recently at the first of a series of day long sessions meant to help empower and coach women into leadership opportunities in the sector I work in. I felt quite enthusiastic about it. The prep work was great, introduced me to some great articles/books.
However the day was discouraging and has really disappointed. Most of the women there (was women only) seemed to either have been 'sent' or had strong unhelpful views. I spoke to one woman who made it clear she wasn't a feminist and didn't want t be associated with that word. I explained that I felt there was nothing wrong with being a feminist and by default why wouldn't she feel the same way. She walked away....
Another referred to certain women as 'heels and highlights' and seemed to think it was okay to dismiss women in the workplace who followed fashion, coloured their hair, wore make up etc.
Another felt it appropriate to talk about herself, with little/no attention to his others at the table were responding.
I suppose this is just a rant really. It's hard enough in the workplace without women seeming to want to put women down. I mentioned the phrase 'sisterhood' and was really criticised, maybe I have an incorrect understanding of the term- I meant in a way that it would be good for women to support each other in a genuine and empathetic way.