“My Book Inspired Companies To Change Their Diversity Policies”
Journalist and author Catherine Fox has been a loud, consistent voice against the narrative that blames women for gender inequities in the workplace.
Describe how you put words into action.
In my book Stop Fixing Women I called out the pernicious victim blaming that often underpins workplace discussions about addressing the gender gap. In the book I describe why trying to force women into a male breadwinner model is doomed to failure. Women are told they lack confidence, ambition or negotiating skills, but often face backlash when they show any of these qualities. “Fixing” leaves many women feeling that systemic sexism is actually their fault, while a system designed by and for men remains largely unchallenged.
Since then, I have made a point of calling out “fixing”, whether on stage or in conversations. It can be quite uncomfortable to tell an audience that the powerful man sitting next to you on stage, who has just lectured them about not speaking up or lacking chutzpah, is part of the problem and not the solution. But it’s important because otherwise nothing will change.
How did your stand on workplace inequity impact your life and the lives of others?
It doesn’t go down well with men in senior positions who are used to being in control and expect gratitude for even turning up to discuss these topics. But it made me determined to persist with challenging this explanation for the unfair and uneven playing field. I know, from many responses and conversations over the years, that women appreciate this and feel vindicated for refusing to take the blame for their own marginalisation. A few blokes also found the message revealing and It inspired some to become more active in addressing bias in recruitment, progression and the gender pay gap. Large employers, including Woolworths and Macquarie University, told me the book and its approach had helped them redesign their diversity policies – music to my ears!
What motivated you?
Unfairness and hypocrisy really irritate me. In my time as a journalist at The Australian Financial Review, I sat through far too many interviews with CEOs who failed to take women’s concerns seriously and then told them they needed to pull up their socks. Their sheer lack of action on a significant business issue was gobsmacking. I try to channel that irritation into activism.
How did you do it?
Through my words – writing, speaking, podcasts – and the courage I drew from the support of a brilliant network of women.
What did you learn along the way?
That taking a stance that upsets the powerful will earn you a reputation for being difficult and blunt. But in the long run, that doesn’t seem to put people off. Women supporting each other are changing the world right now. I am in awe of women such as Brittany Higgins and Grace Tame.
What advice would you give to others trying to make a difference?
After decades of being lectured about being “angry”, I realised that it’s perfectly reasonable to be furious about how women are treated. It’s what you do with the emotion is the important part. Learn to channel it and you will have no problem with motivation. Plus, you will never regret nurturing your network.
How can we help you be more successful?
My measure of success is reaching as many people and sparking as many conversations as I can to spread the word. Answering these questions for Tonic is plenty of help and another chance to remind us all to stop fixing women.
Do you have an I Did That story about making real change that you’d like to share? Email hello@tonicmag.com.au
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