Women in workplaces

By Yameng Zhang

Serious, huh? This topic scared me when I realized I will be a woman in a workplace in few years. When I worked for one of the dinning courts on campus, I was grateful that I was not assigned with heavy, filthy and tiring labors. When I heard from the girls from the other dinning courts that they were throwing trash, washing dishes and pots, I realize that there is a difference. I can’t stop asking myself- Do I want to be treated differently from men in workplaces?

The answer is yes, and no.

Yes, I am a lady so I would expect men will hold door, chairs and carry coats when I need it, of course, that’s when dinning out. However, most women do prefer be respected in workplace, not only the basic office etiquettes, but with consideration of the fact that “I am a lady”. That means that I am capable of accomplishing as many and well as men are, while I would prefer not doing lifting and running, those kinds of heavy labor if not necessary. Ladies tend to be more sensitive or emotional, which is true for most women, well, accept that.

And oh no, please ignore the fact that I am not a man. I am intelligent, responsible and efficient woman, who can accomplish tasks. Sensitivity can’t necessarily lead to less capability, so it is injustice and unacceptable to underestimate women’s capacity. Maternity leave will be considered but should not be a barrier for women in workplaces. It is common that women are regarded as the minority and be given less power. However, it is acceptable to pass less power to a woman only if there are facts prove the incapability of taking control, otherwise, imprudently labeling a woman as impotent is biased and illegal to some extent. As for women, the only and also the most important thing we could do is to prove ourselves that we are as competent as men, so that there is nothing inferior that can be picked.

There is a constant debate on “which one is easier to be, a man or a woman?” I have to say that nothing is easy when it comes to work if one wants to succeed. So, there should be no excuse for women to succeed in workplace.