Sexism | Workplace sexism still widespread as two thirds of female employees report being patronised by male colleagues

Ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8, a study on the workplace equality gap suggests significant workplace challenges still remain.

A survey of 2,000 UK female employees, by Superdrug Online Doctor, found that 66% have experienced being patronised by a male colleague, with 13% saying it happens frequently.

More than half say they have been dismissed by a male colleague, and seven in 10 have been spoken over in the workplace. Despite this, 22% do not feel safe or confident enough to report discrimination at work.

Gen Z women experience more patronising, dismissive, or interruptive behaviour from male colleagues than any other age group. A striking 83% say they’ve been talked over by a male co-worker, and one in four face this frequently. Gen Z also top the list for feeling outright dismissed, with 68% reporting this experience.