Decades have passed now since the first women’s movement, since Qasim Amin first stood for women’s rights, since socialist women’s movements and liberation movements…etc. My point is – since who knows when exactly – women have been fighting for their right to be acknowledged in this male-dominated society.

My article here is not about feminism in general – although this too needs some serious talking – it’s about being in the twenty-first century and women are still facing male dominance in the work front.

To be fair, it is not all on the males; women also are a part of this problem – yes you – and let me tell you why exactly it would be a shame to be in 2015 and still consider this a male problem only.

You see, some women think it is better to never tell anyone about being sexually harassed at work; it would do you no good and only harm your reputation and what does a girl actually own that is more precious than her reputation.

While other women see that ambition kills, that your colleague who is working nightshifts, who is hoping for a higher level in her career is not a good girl and God knows what she did to earn that promotion “if you know what I mean!”

That being said; women face all kinds of discrimination in the work front.

1- She could be highly qualified and suitable for the position but unfortunately another candidate – who looks so much better physically for this sales position – has been chosen.

2- She looks so attractive to be promoted; we do not want another sexual harassment lawsuit!

3- She is pregnant. She will soon take the maternity leave and assign her work to someone else so we can’t hire her.

4- She is a mom. She will call in sick plenty of times, she will probably not focus in her work when she knows one of her kids is having his/her first soccer game today and she is stuck at work.

Etc., etc., etc.

Stereotyping women in very small roles and thinking that they can’t do better is what will keep this topic an open discussion for centuries.

Yes, your boss is a woman…

Yes, your colleague is a very hot girl…

Yes, your new employer is getting married and soon will be pregnant…

Yes, your female manager had to excuse herself as one of her kids had a fever…

Yes, your company is hiring a woman…

Who said that women are not qualified to hold managerial positions?

Who said that a mother with three kids is not the most suitable for this job?

Who said that because she doesn’t look hot ‘to your personal biased standards’, she won’t achieve the target?

Who said that because she looks hot, she will use her looks to seduce men in the office?

Women all over the world have fought for you, me and our daughters. It is up to the woman – not the man’s choice – to enjoy these rights or to put them aside.

Parents should raise their daughters to always improve themselves in the work front, always seek higher positions.

Husbands should encourage their wives to go to work every day and do all they can to show the world they earn the chair they are sitting on.

Brothers should support their sisters whenever they are facing troubles at work and give them advice about how to deal with their mean bosses.

Employers should appreciate their female employees and give them their earned credit if they deserved it and worked hard for it.

You see, women only wanted to be treated equally with men because they deserve to and not because they are forcing anyone to. If you see a woman who is using her looks to get ahead, well fire her, take all the necessary measures if you have to.

What this article is about and what our ancestors fought for is for women to be given an equal chance to show the world what they can do.

Hend Salah

Design Art: Daad Sherif

EDITORS: Sarah Shalaby & Nada Adel Sobhi