As a female CEO in the construction industry, I’ve spent years navigating a profession where women are often in the minority. I’ve faced sexism and harassment — some subtle, some glaring — and I’ll admit, in the past, I let a lot of it slide. I often told myself that speaking up might make me seem overly sensitive or ‘difficult.’ But in retrospect, I realise that letting these moments go was not only unfair to me but also undermined the changes I wanted to see.
I want to share some lessons I’ve learned about standing up to sexism and why it’s more important than ever that we speak out — even when, as women, we’ve been conditioned to stay silent.
Over the years, I’ve encountered comments, jokes, and even actions that I now know were inappropriate. At the time, I brushed them off because I thought that’s just how things were. It took me far too long to realise that no amount of experience or success should mean accepting disrespect. As women, we’re often socialised to endure these situations, to grin and bear it — but that approach only perpetuates the cycle. No one should ever feel pressured to tolerate sexism or harassment, no matter the industry or role.
I remember moments when I thought, “Maybe I’m being too sensitive” when I faced sexism. There’s this insidious pressure that if we speak out, we risk being seen as weak or petty. But here’s the thing — trust your gut. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Our instincts are powerful, and in a culture that often dismisses women’s voices, it’s crucial to trust yourself and stand firm. You aren’t “overreacting” when you call out harmful behavior; you’re setting a standard for respect.
Speaking up has often been uncomfortable for me. Over the years, I’ve hesitated in situations where I knew something was wrong but feared being labeled as “difficult” or “emotional.” But I’ve learned that staying silent does more harm than speaking out. It’s not easy, but the more we speak up, the less power sexist behavior holds. Even if it feels awkward or risky, it’s essential to find your voice — not only for yourself but for those who will follow you.
For years, I faced challenges with no one to lean on. I was often one of the few women in the room, and I learned the hard way that I couldn’t always go it alone. But today, I realise the importance of having a strong network of allies — men and women who will stand with you. These allies are essential to combating sexism, offering not just support but also guidance and perspective. Whether it’s colleagues who back your decisions or mentors who encourage you to speak your truth, these relationships are invaluable.
Looking back, I wish I had taken a more proactive approach when I first encountered sexism. I often let it slide, thinking it was just a phase or something that would resolve on its own. The truth is, by not addressing it, I allowed those attitudes to persist, not only for myself but for others too. Times are changing rapidly, and it’s important to acknowledge that the world we work in today is different. Our voices are stronger, our resolve more solid, and we can demand better, not just for ourselves, but for the future of women in every industry.
As leaders, we must show others how it’s done. When we model the behavior we want to see — calling out microaggressions, offering mentorship, and holding ourselves and others to high standards — we set a precedent for others to follow. Our actions speak louder than words, and when we stand strong against sexism, we’re not just speaking for ourselves — we’re paving the way for others to follow suit.
The journey for gender equality is far from complete. Even with the progress we’ve made, sexism is still deeply ingrained in many workplaces, and it often manifests in ways that go unnoticed. However, when we come together, as a collective voice, we can shift those boundaries and create spaces where all employees feel seen, heard, and valued. Change might take time, but with each person who stands up, we get closer to the goal.
In closing, I want to remind you: speaking up isn’t just about fighting for your own rights. It’s about pushing for a workplace culture where all people, no matter their gender, can thrive without the fear of discrimination. As women, we’ve always had the power to change the narrative — but we have to be brave enough to step up and challenge the status quo.
Change starts with each of us, and even though it can be uncomfortable, our voices matter more than ever.
