I thought for a long time about whether it is worth writing this article and explaining the statistics that we all know with specific examples. For those who already think that this is an article about victimization, I suggest not to go any further. Others will read specific examples that not only I, but also my colleagues in the guild have encountered.

The European Union’s 2020-2025 Gender Equality Strategy predicts that next year Europe could be much closer to the desired goal of becoming a continent where women are equal to men.

Now is the year 2024. Have you noticed how most influential men nurture or train other men to follow in their footsteps? Have you noticed how many young women are used for administrative work and organizing events? No strategy, lobbying, advocacy, although women are better connected than men. Or how do they immediately adjust if they dare to want to be more professional?

Have you noticed how men build their sphere of influence? Through the pyramid sphere, most people mean communication with their colleagues or with loved ones. While women, they trust people who can give them access to information, regardless of the degree of influence or position.

We also discuss here the degree of communication that differs: while men often go to discussions to get information and can establish a stronger connection, given the openness in approaching certain topics, women are instead invited to coffee, and men are more reluctant to provide information. in discussions with them.

Have you been at the same table with pro-European people in office? For the most part, I had no problems, but in a delegation with representatives of large European integration organizations, I was embarrassed, because when I spoke, no one looked at me. I talked about my idea and got no response. Then another man would give him my ideas, trying to support me. And suddenly everything made sense to him. And this interaction was repeated several times over the course of two hours. I felt a wall I couldn’t break through.

I was so shocked when it was over because I didn’t understand what had just happened. Did I not argue well enough? Were the ideas not good enough? A storm of emotions was visible on my face. I thought others wanted to steal our project ideas and run it themselves. Talking to a colleague who was at the meeting, she smiled bitterly and laughingly asked me: “Is this the first time with you? You are happy! No, they didn’t want to steal our ideas. You had two disadvantages when meeting: you were twice as young as them and you are a woman!”.

Did I experience discrimination as a woman? Fortunately, I did not have many cases, I remembered only the one above. Although I have always sensed a public appetite for male leaders. I don’t know why, but I’ve always felt that in a race with a man, a woman can start at a disadvantage. Women are delicate or cunning, beautiful or sexy, flashy or cunning, better at negotiation or manipulation. Although a man can be a family man, a sociable person, he can be a “bandit” or educated, he can have power, influence, he can be cunning and prudent, he can be strict and serious, he can have high standards, and but these mixed words should not be taken as a disadvantage.

Have I experienced discrimination because of my age? Yes and no. I have been told many times that I have “done so many things for my age”, more than many who are famous or claim to be experts, even if they have never been in the field. But that “you still have time” always comes up. For the most part, girls are creative and communicate better in certain situations, relying on people’s empathy. Young people have no limits in their ideas and ideals, and this can sometimes make them dangerous or too loud.

Whenever I participated in negotiations, I focused on being prepared for the topic, moderating the discussion, being able to find practical solutions, put forward ideas, help with good organization. I mainly make sure that group goals are achieved. You know what women do: they take care of the community.

The best life advice I got from a lobbyist I admire immensely, and I never told her. why Maybe because I saw too much of myself in her and was afraid of her gaze through many professional life episodes.

“I know how you feel. I know such ambitions, they are characteristic of women. It can consume you and destroy you, but it can bring you to a point where you can change. You have to rise step by step and always prove your worth as a professional and as a person. If one day you’re handed a hand that makes you jump, don’t take it. Because those who jump across the stage, regardless of gender or training, can return to the first step.”

I always think: what do I still need to prove to whom to be taken seriously? Perhaps the projects I’ve been involved in and the people I’ve worked with and befriended will attest to the fact that I’m a fast learner, I’m hardworking, I’m intuitive, and I’m a professional. Who to certify and why?

Later I realized that this is the influence of society. That it makes us treat each other as women, compare ourselves, compete with men, constantly run… But for what?

From March 8, a thought for all women, regardless of age, profession, marital status… We will always be the connectors of society. And everyone who knows better than us is right in only one thing: we will still be here, because we care about the good of the community. We have time because we are building our foundation slowly but constantly strengthening it. We rise step by step because we are building society. _Read the rest of the article and comment on Contributors.ro