More than half of social housing professionals feel that the opinions of women working in the sector get overlooked in their organisations because of their gender, according to new research released on International Women’s Day (8th March 2024).
The findings have been announced by WISH (Women in Social Housing) as part of their Hear Her Voice Campaign which is seeking to raise awareness of the fact that women’s voices are heard less often than their male counterparts.
WISH’s 2023 survey of members found that 52% of people felt their voice or opinion was overlooked because of their gender, while more than three-quarters (76%) of respondents said they had observed women being interrupted or talked over in meetings or group discussions.
196 professionals working in housing associations, local authorities, and the private sector were surveyed in WISH’s research. 98% were women, while 2% preferred not to give their gender. More than half of those surveyed said they had been in a situation where a woman’s ideas were ignored, but the same idea was later acknowledged when repeated by a male colleague.
A staggering 78% of those questioned felt they had to assert themselves more than male colleagues to be heard in a professional environment, while 55% said they had to work harder than their male counterparts to get the same opportunities — which is a 5% increase on the previous survey.
More than a third of participants (39%) said they have experienced sexism in the workplace over the past three years, up from 28% in the last survey.
Tracey McEachran, President of Women in Social Housing, said: “These are worrying figures that show gender bias within our sector is continuing to stifle debate and innovation.
“Research has shown that women are significantly less likely to ask a question in a meeting than their male colleagues, and it is clear from these findings why that is the case. We must recognise the reality of what is happening within our own businesses and make a conscious effort to deliver the change we need.
“As part of the Hear Her Voice campaign we have already been working closely with conference and event organisers across housing on how we can ensure more women have a voice in national debates. Now we want to follow this up with practical advice for organisations to use in their own internal meetings to ensure everyone’s voice is valued and heard.”
WISH’s survey also found that more than half (53%) of people felt there are barriers preventing women progressing in their careers in housing, with that figure more than doubling from the figures released in 2023.
Male-dominated board rooms and a lack of flexibility in roles for women were seen as the main barriers.
Lucy Malarkey, WISH’s Managing Director, said: “There has been a huge amount of good work done across the housing sector on equality and diversity, but it is clear there is much more to do.
“Women should feel empowered to speak up and be heard, and that is clearly not always the case. A huge amount of talent is being suppressed, and ideas that could make lives better for tenants are dismissed.
“I know the vast majority of leaders within our sector, regardless of gender, will be devastated to read some of these statistics. But we have to be open to what colleagues are saying and be honest about where we are at. Bold action is needed, and it must start today.”
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