Think you're immune from sexism the higher you climb the corporate ladder?

This week we saw in the news that the CEO of Aviva, Amanda Blanc (who became the company’s first female chief executive in 2020) was subject to some outrageous sexism at their AGM last week.

During the Q&A session, one investor took the microphone and called her out on her outfit, asking 'Should you be wearing trousers?'.

Yes, you read that correctly.

Another stood up and said that the lacklustre share price performance was because 'she is not the right man for the job'.

And a third investor seemingly applauded the company for its gender diversity, but then added: "They [women] are so good at basic housekeeping activities, I'm sure this will be reflected in the direction of the board in future."

This is 2022.

These comments were made in public.

Blanc subsequently spoke out on her Linkedin page and said:

'I would like to tell you that things have got better in recent years but it’s fair to say that it has actually increased - the more senior the role I have taken, the more overt the unacceptable behaviour.

The surprising thing is that this type of stuff used to be said in private, perhaps from the safety of four walls inside an office - the fact that people are now making these comments in a public AGM is a new development for me personally.'

From finance, to government, to tech, there is no industry that is immune from these archaic inground views that women are not as good as men.

The only difference now is that it seems women have the courage to call it out, and when they do there are more male allies prepared to step forward in support.

Aviva would do well to go on the Lead5050 accreditation journey, to promote itself as a staunch advocate for gender equality in the workplace.

If you or your organisation is interested in the Lead5050 accreditation process, then click here to find out more.