Women’s network at work - possible trigger content

[NeedANewOne25]

Hi,
I have name changed for this one.
I have joined the committee for the Women’s network at work (charity). I attended my first meeting today. I’m torn. There was at least one natal male on the Teams meeting from my observation, possibly two. We spoke about topics for the group to tackle over the year (menopause, breast/chest(!) feeding, miscarriage etc), some of the group shared personal examples on all of these topics. We spoke about organising an informational event for International Women’s Day. The EDI team representative spoke about inclusivity (great) but also spoke about CIS people, and how the word “women” includes many different types of people. Red flag for me. I want people to feel supported but the presence of natal male people in any discussion groups in the future is not inclusive for many women.
Do I stay on the committee and try to influence? Or do I give up? A lot of women don’t want to discuss female only issues in the presence of natal men no matter how lovely they might appear.
I love my job, I don’t need it for the income but I really want to stand up for the rights of natal women and girls.

What would you do?

Thanks so much for this. I missed the very first meeting, and the minutes didn’t cover detail about who could be a member and how the group would operate, it was more of a statement about how to proceed and what overall goals the group would like to achieve over the year.

I’ve woken up this morning with that feeling of dread in my stomach which I recognise as anxiety (which I need to manage), so I am going to mull things over as another poster suggested. I really like how you have managed this and will bear some of your ideas in mind. Thank-you.

This is very tricky for you. It’s such a shame that we are in an age where you have to feel like this. Is there an LGBTQ network as well? Could you suggest that you keep the women’s network as single sex but anyone interested could start an LGBTQ network.

@IwantToRetire Your comments are very helpful, and supportive which I appreciate thank you.
I do love my job, and as an organisation make an impact which I am proud to be part of. I don’t want to jeopardise that.

I am fairly sure there are many women with the same views as me, but don’t speak up. I have met one (who has been harassed and bullied) but most are very noncommittal when certain topics come up. The employee demographic has a young bias and the culture is very inclusive which on the one hand I like very much.

I’m going to take my time and decide what to do, and in the meantime remind myself of some of the recent legal cases so I can speak with confidence when I have the opportunity to influence any decisions.

Thank you.

There is a network for this, it is welcoming of anyone.

If you don't need the income, stay and be bold in your position

If you get the sack you will know you did the right thing!

I'd love to be in that position and I terf as far as I can but I can't be sacked as the sole family income so i need to be careful.