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Workplace sexism experienced by a quarter of female social housing professionals in past three years
More than a quarter of women working in housing have personally experienced sexism in the workplace, according to research by Women in Social Housing (WISH).
A study by the network found that 28% of professionals had encountered sexism as recently as during the past three years.
These experiences varied from assumptions that as a woman they would take meeting minutes, to comments on clothing and being treated as ‘less capable’.
The figures, released today by WISH to coincide with International Women’s Day 2023, also revealed that more than half of professionals (58%) had not experienced gender equality in their housing career.
The research included a survey of 146 professionals working across housing associations, councils and the private sector, 95% of whom were women.
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Among respondents, a quarter said there were barriers preventing women from progressing in housing careers. Examples included being overlooked for roles, negative experiences when returning to work following maternity leave and witnessing ‘men sliding into roles’.
Debra Constance, co-founder of WISH and its outgoing chair, said: “I believe we have made progress in our sector since I helped start WISH more than 20 years ago, but these figures make sobering reading. There is much more to do.”
“No woman should feel unsafe, undermined or overlooked in the workplace. Each International Women’s Day we have conversations about these issues, but now we need to see real action to make these experiences a thing of the past.”
WISH’s new figures also revealed that half of professionals believe women have to work harder than their male counterparts to access the same career opportunities.
Barriers for women include career breaks such as maternity leave, caring responsibilities, lack of diversity on boards, racism and unconscious bias.
WISH’s research also looked at the impact of new flexible working practices. Four in 10 respondents believe that hybrid working models are having a negative impact on women’s careers due to a reduction of in-person visibility, not being able to attend events and balancing work with other responsibilities such as care and childcare.
Tracey McEachran, president of WISH, added: “Unfortunately I’m not surprised to read our latest findings. Many of us have direct experience of inequity whilst working in our sector. Having been an active member of WISH for more than five years, these are issues we have been tackling for a long time.
“That being said, I am excited to be taking up the newly created role of president of WISH. We have an incredible community of members and lots of ambitious plans for events and joint working. It’s a privilege to be taking on the role as president and continuing such trailblazing work by Debra and the community.”
A total of 146 housing professionals took part in WISH’s annual survey, of whom 43% are at manager and supervisor level. Of the respondents, 83% are white women, 50% have caring responsibilities, 68% are aged 35-54 and 10% are disabled.
WISH was founded by Nicola Gibb and Ms Constance and has grown to more than 500 subscribed members spanning across 10 regions in the UK.
