Why Do Women Need To Be Given A Leg Up?

[ToraToraTora]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43065660
Surely if they are good enough they will attain these positions naturally.

[emmie]

because many are discriminated against and have been for years, its about time the old boys network pulled itself together. Its also about diversity from the ethnic minorities community, so not just about women getting a bit of help. This was according to last nights news.

[ToraToraTora]

so you are suggesting that we forget merit as a mode of advancement and instead have some sort of quota based arrangement?

[emmie]

many women should have got into top jobs already but the male old boys network has often stood in the way,
i am not saying that all women and ethnic minorities should get a leg up, but they should at least be on a level playing field.

[naomi24]

I don't need a leg up. I'd hate to be patronised. If I can't do it on my own merits then I don't deserve the job. Jobs should go to those most capable regardless of gender, race, colour, age, background, or anything else.

[woofgang]

I'd have to know what the charter says before commenting. Its 12 years since I left the NHS and well before I left, initial shortlisting was done without knowing the name or gender of the applicants apart from posts where gender or race is a Genuine Occupational Requirement. Once the initial shortlist had happened, all of the applicants got an interview. I'd say that's fair.

[youngmafbog]

I'm with Naomi.

[ToraToraTora]

me too, BA naomi

[Bazile]

The pertinent question is , are some women despite having the necessary aptitude and skills being held back , due to an uneven playing field

[anotheoldgit]

emmie
/// because many are discriminated against and have been for years, ///

This kind of statement makes my blood boil. No one gets discriminated against more than the male does.

Throughout the ages, what gender has been forced to lay their lives on the line in defence of their women folk?

In my lifetime we have seen the male of the species sent out to fight in a World war, The Korean war, The Falkland's war, Iraq, Afghanistan and many more minor conflicts.

We have seen the male conscripted into National Service and down the mines.

And the Male has had to carry out the more manual and dangerous tasks, why it is even reported from dangerous areas in the world that "there is a danger to women and children" not a mention of the mere male and woe betide a ship wreck when it is women and children first.

Discriminated against, some women don't know the meaning of the word.

Grabs my government issue Tin Helmet and dives for cover. :0)

[Jackdaw33]

It's not a leg up that they need but a leg over. (I'll get me hat and coat)

[Deskdiary]

Is this quota filling at the expense men?

Isn't there a word for this?

In fact I think there's two words.

1. Sexism.
2. Discrimination.

[Garaman]

I think it is fair to say that women haven’t had the same opportunities as men in many areas of work. Personally I think it best to accept that, change attitudes, and let it even itself out over time. The best women will climb on merit as TTT says. Others seem to think that you need to even it up immediately, which of course means that some will get promoted undeservedly

[jackthehat]

///Throughout the ages, what gender has been forced to lay their lives on the line in defence of their women folk? ///

In defence of their country at the behest of the men in charge, surely?

///In my lifetime we have seen the male of the species sent out to fight in a World war, The Korean war, The Falkland's war, Iraq, Afghanistan and many more minor conflicts. ///

And which gender started those conflicts, I wonder.....

///And the Male has had to carry out the more manual and dangerous tasks, why it is even reported from dangerous areas in the world that "there is a danger to women and children" not a mention of the mere male and woe betide a ship wreck when it is women and children first. ///

You have obviously never seen a ship evacuation other than on film/tv.

If the playing field was level at the start there would be no need to ensure that (some) women are given a fighting chance.....

[kvalidir]

Oh boohoo lads, just listen to yourselves. I personally don't want or need a 'leg up' or over Jack but thanks for the 1960's innuendous unfunny quip, it reminds me of why some women perhaps do need help in the workplace. Once everyone has a level playing field there can be no doubt that people are promoted, or perhaps in some instances demoted, on merit, so what exactly is your beef, other than someone is attempting to even things up and take away the power from the old boys club and you don't like it? THAT shows why it's a necessary step, and if you can't see that then you need to grow the hell up and stop making silly, schoolboy, smutty remarks, then people might take any concerns you have seriously .

[Old_Geezer]

Society dictates whether one gender should be sheltered rather than a particular gender. Individual leaders start wars regardless of gender. Society, which is the accumulated responsibility of all, sets the rules.

[emmie]

Aog
men in general start the wars, women in general don't,
women go to war as they did in WW2 and WW1, they don't always tote a gun but run the risk of being killed all the same. Women pilots in WW2 those who risked life and limb to get aircraft to the various bases were not armed at all, that was the MOD's or equivalents position at that time.
Women go to war now, carry guns alongside their male counterparts, much to the chagrin on some of their stick in the mud colleagues.
Things are changing and for the better and if women and ethnic minorities get a better chance in life, work, then so be it.

[anotheoldgit]

jackthehat

/// In defence of their country at the behest of the men in charge, surely? ///

Someone had to see to the defence of the country, would women have surrendered or given their own sex a chance to experience fighting up to their necks in mud, blood and bullets?

/// And which gender started those conflicts, I wonder..... ///

Well we have had only two female PMs and one of them was instrumental in the Falklands war.

/// You have obviously never seen a ship evacuation other than on film/tv. ///

And I don't suppose many have, but it is well documented by those who have.

Getting back to the two female PMs, only the Tories have tried that experiment and do many think that was a success?