Former US Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, who died earlier this year, famously said that “there’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.”
When Aristea’s boss accused her of using her phone at work, she immediately knew who had told him. “I told him I only use my phone during lunch, which is true. However, he said a colleague had informed him of my ‘inappropriate behaviour’ and he had to take action.”
It was the latest accusation – in a series of false accusations – leveled against Aristeas by her boss. “She regularly took out her frustration on me and once screamed in my face. This only happened when we were alone. It made me feel like I was losing my mind.”
The former US Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, who died earlier this year, famously said that “there’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.” It’s a phrase often used in the workplace as a way to inspire female workers to lift each other up. And yet, even in 2022, the sentiment of Albright’s statement seems downright utopian…
The Workplace Bullying Institute found that 80% of women are bullied by other women, while other studies have shown that women who report to women experience a higher incidence of bullying, abuse, and work sabotage. The phenomenon is such that it even has a name: Queen Bee Syndrome!
It is used to describe women in positions of power who intentionally hold other women back because of their gender. It was invented in the 1970s and is still used today.
According to Speak Out Revolution, a non-profit organization on a mission to end the culture of silence around workplace harassment and bullying, the most common toxic behaviors reported are manipulative behaviors (72%). daily understatements (67%) and excessive work monitoring (62%).
Glassdoor research also found that women are more likely to be bullied than men, possibly because female workers are less confident in standing up for themselves.
This kind of behavior is not only alarmingly common, it has become “normal”. Just take a look at his new season “Emily in Paris”the hit Netflix series starring Lily Collins.
We see Emily’s boss, Sylvie, confront her boss, Madeline, in an argument that culminates when they both show up to an event wearing the same clothes.
Also, who forgets her recent statements Kim Kardashian, who recently argued that anyone can overcome obstacles and become successful if they just try hard enough. In fact, he said: “To get his bum up and work.”
Obviously, it’s these kinds of behaviors that contribute to the toxicity we see developing among women in the workplace, fostering a culture of fierce competition. Unfortunately, leadership roles for women are more often than not available, so the competition is increasing. At least, that seems to be the general position when conflicts arise between women at work. But it is not always so clear.
It would be easy to conclude that women who bully other women in the workplace are doing so out of sheer jealousy or queen bee syndrome in action.
But the issue is much more complex. “The world is a horrible but very successful and effective patriarchy and we are all brought up to live and work in it,” explains author, psychologist and CEO of Victim Focus, Dr Jessica Taylor.
“Women and girls learn early on that they are in competition with other women and girls. Who is the most beautiful? Who is the smartest? You see, there can only be one.’
It is this mindset that often turns women against each other – one woman’s success is another’s downfall.
Today, of the 500 Fortune 500 companies, only 8.8% of CEOs are women. And this is considered an improvement compared to previous rates.
Fortunately, employers are becoming more aware of the issue of workplace bullying, female or otherwise. Larger companies are usually well-equipped with HR departments that are able to deal with such incidents. However, encouraging women to speak out against workplace bullying could also require a wider culture change.
It is clear that work still needs to be done in the workplace in order for women to feel safe and secure in the workplace.
At the individual level, however, things get more complicated. Learning not to react to any kind of bullying is vital when it comes to preventing it from getting worse. This means resisting the need to defend yourself against false accusations, for example, and biting your tongue when faced with harsh or condescending comments.
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I am Frederick Tuttle, who works in 247 News Agency as an author and mostly cover entertainment news. I have worked in this industry for 10 years and have gained a lot of experience. I am a very hard worker and always strive to get the best out of my work. I am also very passionate about my work and always try to keep up with the latest news and trends.
