Sexism in the workplace - shall i just get a man to do it?

[Joiningthegang]

I am in a reasonably senior public sector job, there have been a number of political moves in public health, police and local authority etc. One particularly key political leader, whose agenda overlaps significantly with mine - has shown himself to be unbelievably sexist.

He does not listen to women, thinks they are all there to do admin and ignores valid points they raise - usually being dismissive or ignoring. However, when a male (who works for me) makes the same point he listens and responds.
I have been doing the job long enough to know this is not about me but my gender, and have seen other women treated in a similar way.

I have a meeting coming up with this individual and need to ensure a good outcome for the residents whom I work for, to ensure they continue to receive a valuable service.

Do I lead the presentation of this information to him myself - as I would normally - and risk him not listening or understanding - or shall I ask a couple of men to lead this knowing they will get a better response.

To do it myself risks valuable services to vulnerable people.

To get the men to do it seems very very wrong.

This "man" is elected and has no-one for whom he is accountable so can't go down that route.

so - AIBU to get the men to do the job?

Totally sickening

But great that you are experienced/confident enough to recognise it for what it is, and not doubt yourself

And also good for your service users that you don't have an uncontrollable ego

This ^^...........especially Then I would devote a significant percentage of my time to working out how to shaft him. !!

If you go that way, playing his game with men, then I understand as you want to secure the work for the vulnerable.

But be aware for century's women have had to play the game to get what they want, cleverly manipulate situations, buff up the man's ego to achieve end goals. It's nothing new, it's the same as flirting and being girlie to get what you want.

There will always be a reason not to challenge the status quo, that's why these men get away with it. If you choose that route this time you have to plan to challenge this somehow.

Namechange- you have summed up my internal struggle perfectly!

And the problem is challenging is never easy, even less so when you are making the decision that damages others like you would have to. I have a lovely package of compromise agreement papers to attest to this fact.

Got the fucker put out to pasture in the process though

OP are you working for a council or a Govt department?

Not a government dept - local auth - the person concerned is elected - but not through the council

www.equalityhumanrights.com/about-us/vision-and-mission/our-business-plan/gender-equality/ might be a good place to look for support and proper legal info.

Take someone from HR incognito in with you so they can see what a tosser he is.

Is there an equalities officer? If there is, have a word with them about running some unconscious bias in decision making sessions for all senior leaders in the orgnisation and get them to get the mayor (?) to sponsor them.

He might just learn something!

Thank you for the links - I don't work for him - thank goodness, he now has some funding we used to get directly.

He has over 3 years left in office - he delights in telling everyone that only the public can get him out