I work in IT. Like a lot of workplaces, we have to keep our internal CVs up to date with qualifications and the like, and many of us have external qualifications which are expected in certain roles.
Apparently, a member of staff has complained about the titles of many of these external qualifications - for example, a Six Sigma Master Black Belt - because their titles are 'inherently sexist'. (I agree some are daft, but I can't say it causes me offence) This has prompted an investigation into re-naming these external qualifications for internal purposes so that we can 'create a more equal playing field for women', and in the meantime, those of us with these qualifications are supposed to 'consider changing them' on our CVs in case the original titles cause offence.
I have now had several meetings with some people of my seniority where I've been the only woman in the room, been the butt of some really weird "jokes" about what I wear ('ooh, Pigeon, you're wearing a blue shirt! aren't you going to give us a twirl?") while the men are spoken to with respect, and have my seniority questioned ("we need someone with proper experience to look this over")
I've been handling it in a professional-but-firm manner, and am ready to start the next meeting with some very firm ground rules. However, I feel especially annoyed that the firm is tying itself in knots about qualification titles being misogynistic when there's actual behaviour going on that might more readily be described as sexist. I don't know if I'm 'a dinosaur' (a term used a lot for anyone over 40) but I can't help thinking the furore is masking the real issue here.
Sorry, that was long but cathartic!