This is this week’s ForbesWomen newsletter, which every Thursday brings news about the world’s top female entrepreneurs, leaders and investors straight to your inbox. Click here to get on the newsletter list!
Through our 50 Over 50 initiative and general ForbesWomen coverage, we talk a lot about how ageism presents itself in the workplace—and why it’s so important to appropriately value the contributions of entrepreneurs and workers who have decades of experience to offer. (In fact, some of the most productive members of the American workforce are ages 55 and older.)
However, a new study from the Harvard Business Review reminds us that women face age discrimination at every age, whether they’re under 30, over 50, or anywhere in between. In this research, women who are or looked younger than 40 reported experiencing pet names, role incredulity, and even head-patting. (Yes, that’s right: a 39-year-old woman reported being patted on the head at work.) Women between the ages of 40 and 60—which could seem like a “sweet spot” when it comes to experience—didn’t have it any easier. Women in this group reported that they have faced bias in hiring and promotions because of assumptions about menopause symptoms and family caregiving responsibilities.
As Forbes contributor Sheree Atcheson notes here, the reality right now is that there’s no “right” age for women in the workplace—but we shouldn’t resign ourselves to this status quo. “By calling this out and being deliberate about challenging gendered ageism, we can work to create a better, more inclusive workplace,” Atcheson says. “For everyone.”
Cheers!
Maggie
Featured Forbes Investigation: How A Magazine Claiming To Empower Female Founders Was ‘Birthed’ By A Controversial Church
Women of the City looked like a glossy fashion magazine on a mission to highlight female entrepreneurs. But 11 alleged victims said that after promising them a platform, WOTC absconded with their money — without revealing that it has deep ties with a prosperity church that’s been accused of being a cult.
ICYMI: News Of The Week
The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the first ever over-the-counter birth control daily pill, a major development amid a heightened debate over contraception in the wake of the Supreme Court’s momentous decision last summer to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Kickstarter named Sindy Wilson its finance chief, boosting the ranks of Black female CFOs and creating one of the few pairs of Black CEOs and CFOs among high-profile brands.
U.S. soccer forward Megan Rapinoe announced that she will hang up her cleats at the end of the NWSL season, bringing an end to a glittering career that saw her help the U.S. win two World Cups and the Olympic gold in the 2012 Games.
A document handwritten by Aretha Franklin found inside her couch is her true will, a jury ruled Tuesday, settling a dispute between Franklin’s sons over her estate after multiple documents written by Franklin—who did not leave an official will—were discovered after her death in 2018.
Wheelchair tennis will take center stage this month when 21-times Grand Slam singles champion, Esther Vergeer, is inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame—a decade after her trophy-laden career ended.
The Checklist
1. Jump into self-employment. If you’re currently working for someone else but thinking about working for yourself, here are five straightforward tips for making this transition.
2. Feel more valued at work. A recent poll found that almost 50% of American workers left a position because they felt unappreciated by their employer. Here are 10 things you can do—including documenting your wins and openly appreciating others on your team—if you find yourself feeling this way.
3. Banish summertime “parent guilt.” School is out for the summer and parents are under (extra) pressure. Employers should acknowledge this summertime stress and show their support for parents by encouraging flexible work hours, offering paid time off and ensuring managers are setting an inclusive tone.
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