Do you know a woman in the workplace? Perhaps your wife? Your mother? A daughter? Have you ever had a real conversation with her about her experiences at the office? You might be surprised at habits that are still the norm, even today, in 2024.
Many categorize women in the workplace into roles such as receptionist, assistant, server, etc. Women are most often assumed to fulfill supporting roles while men handle the more critical positions. That may have been the norm when less than ten percent of women worked, but that was then. Then? The 1800’s. Today, while the percentage of women in the workplace is over 60%, many are still met with the assumption that they are simply there to fulfill those supporting roles.
When I watched the impact film, Pioneers in Skirts, one of my first thoughts was, “Oh, wait. So this is still happening outside my bubble, too?” I suppose, like many, I’d thought that, while my most recent work world (technology) had included a lot of mansplaining, outside of that bubble was, well, better.
Surely there were women in the workplace enjoying all the perks of progress brought by open-mindedness, acceptance, and ignoring gender.
Surely.
Except not.
Pioneers in Skirts is brought to us by the brilliant mother-daughter team of Ashley Maria and Lea-Ann Berst. The film was born through Ashley Maria’s experiences as a writer, director, and producer. The summary of her story can be summed up in one word, “Caterer.” Despite endless accolades and awards, when Ashley Maria shows up on set, it is not uncommon for those she greets to point her to the kraft services area as surely she is simply there to feed those in charge.
Now, I know there are men out there who have just bowed up because…wait, why? Why are you bowing up? I’m talking to you, Rich Barlow. To alleviate your stress, I assure you that this film is not an attack, it is not whiny, and it is not a lecture. What it is is a beautiful conversation about what females continue to experience from grade school at beyond.
Do you know a female of any age? Perhaps your wife? Your mother? A daughter? Have you ever had a real conversation with her about her experiences at school? When joining a club? While exploring hobbies? You might be surprised at how often they are steered in directions deemed more appropriate for their gender, even today, in 2024.
When we interviewed Ashley Maria and Lea-Ann for our September episode of Whine & Wine, we asked a very common question, “How can people alter this pattern?” You might expect a list that starts with “Hire more women,” or “Require clubs to include girls,” etc. but the answers were much more introspective.
- Before stepping forward to help, look inward. Where are you making assumptions?
- Are you an ally or a sponsor? Do you know the difference?
Looking inward may be the best thing any of us can do at that exact moment we feel uncomfortable. Instead, our reaction is often to go straight into a defensive stance without any understanding of what we are actually protecting ourselves from.
Look inward. Ask yourself why something makes you uncomfortable.
It is no secret that women and men who exhibit the same behavior are viewed much differently. Determined? A man is a go-getter while a woman is a backstabber. Persistent? A man is taking charge while a woman is pushy. Aggressive tone? A man is passionate while a woman is being bitchy. The differing perception of these behaviors starts long before any enter the workplace, all the way back in grade school.
“Your daughter can’t sit still/talks too much/is bossy” versus “Boys will be boys.”
The biggest difference between those two descriptions? One asks for a fix and the other is accepting. Girls and women are asked over and over to fix themselves. Why? They do not need to be fixed – they need their talents to be seen rather than brushed away as a one-off.
Another favorite takeaway from our chat with Ashley Maria and Lea-Ann is this:
Stats move minds. Stories move hearts.
Can I get an amen?
Pioneers in Skirts is filled with stories. It is moving. It calls to action without demanding an instant overhaul or insisting on committees or policies or any of the confusing attempts for inclusion that have failed in the past. Instead, it asks the viewer to look inward. It offers a platform for conversation. It is truthful, moving, and beautiful.
Add Pioneers in Skirts to your must-see list. Make it a family night. Have friends over for a movie screening. Send the link to your schools (volunteer to fund a screening there!).
Want to learn everything you can about Ashley and Lea-Ann? Yes, me too.
- Ashley Maria Productions
- Pioneers in Skirts is a must-see impact film. Watch it, share it, host a viewing party!
- Sign up to receive a monthly community newsletter from Ashley Maria Productions here: Ashley Maria Mail Chimp
- Nearly Departed will begin shooting in 2025 and we can all be a part of it! Nearly Departed – written by Molly Quinlan Artwick and directed by Ashley Maria – is the story of Charlie and Jules, two sisters at odds discovering how to move on from their father’s death. This heartfelt piece deals with the dark, trying, and often funny ways grief manifests.
Edit: Links Now Active! This blog was another pre-prepared installment. Check back for any links that aren’t available at the moment. Currently snorkeling somewhere.