- Sherry Rehman pointed out the discriminatory practice where male colleagues are addressed with titles like ‘Sir’ or ‘Sahab’ and their full names, while female colleagues are often addressed by their first names or derogatory terms like ‘larki’ or ‘bibi.’
- Rehman emphasized that addressing women with less respectful language compared to men is inherently sexist and reflects deeper societal biases that view women as intellectually and professionally inferior.
- Rehman’s post calls for a change in professional settings to ensure women receive the same level of respect and recognition as their male counterparts, highlighting that small changes in behaviour and language can significantly impact the fight against gender discrimination.
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Vice President and Parliamentary leader, Sherry Rehman, has highlighted a pervasive and misogynistic issue that women face in the workplace. In her latest post on X (formerly Twitter), Rehman addressed the discriminatory manner in which male professionals in Pakistan often address their female colleagues.
She wrote, “Dear colleagues at work, others in the public domain in meetings, debates and tv shows: please use the same standard for addressing women as men in formal work settings. Example, do not refer to us by first names if you are referring to all other colleagues (male) in the room by their full name along with an honorific like sahib.”
Highlighting Gender-Based Disparities in Address
In her post, Rehman stated, “I am sorry but I cannot allow myself to be called only “Sherry” if the colleagues next to me are called so and so sahibs along with their full names as a mark of respect.” She pointed out that while men in workplaces are commonly referred to as ‘Sir,’ ‘Sahab,’ or by their full name out of respect for their professional status or simply their gender, women are mostly addressed by their first name or derogatorily as ‘larki’ or ‘bibi,’ etc.
The Issue of Professional Respect
Rehman’s post sheds light on the issue of professional respect and how it is unequally distributed based on gender. While professionally, calling someone by their first name is not inherently wrong, using more socially respectful language for men compared to women makes the practice sexist. This disparity is not just about names; it reflects deeper societal biases that view women as intellectually and professionally inferior.
She further added, “have no problem if you call me Sherry if you are calling my other male colleagues by their first names too.Fee free to call me khala or aunt if that makes u comfortable.But please don’t refer to me as larki, even if you are older or intend it affectionately. No, I am 63 years old with a long career in public life. That’s long enough to have earned my place with respect at any table. Thank you”.
Roots in Patriarchy
The lack of courtesy and respect in addressing female professionals traditionally stems from patriarchal notions that deem women as less competent and significant than their male counterparts. This practice perpetuates gender inequality and undermines the professional contributions of women.
A Call for Change
Rehman’s bold stance calls for a cultural shift in professional settings. She urges for equal respect and recognition for women in the workplace, starting with how they are addressed. Her message is a reminder that small changes in behaviour and language can significantly impact the fight against gender discrimination.
Justice Ayesha Malik & Sherry Rehman Make it to Forbes 50 Over 50. Read the full story here:
Once again the women of the nation have made us super proud. Justice Ayesha Malik and Climate Change Minister Senator Sherry Rehman have been featured in Forbes Asia’s 50 Over 50. Forbes, a renowned publication and platform has compiled 50 profiles from all over Asia-Pacific of women over the age of 50 who have done ground-breaking work in their region.
Justice Ayesha Malik & Sherry Rehman Make it to Forbes 50 Over 50
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