How would you deal with sexism in a small startup with no HR? I'm the only women on the team, and while it's mostly passive and small things, it's definitely bothering me.

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One way or another you should start looking for other jobs. Small start ups can be cliquey and gaslight you if you’re not careful

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This comment! I totally agree. This is me speaking from experience, of course.

Document everything and report it the EEOC if speaking to higher ups doesn’t work.

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VERY important. Get everything in writing - your complaints, their responses...

Go to the ceo maybe? That’s definitely tough.

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Been there done that. Hate to say it, but leaving that company was the only option…. I mean you can also keep track of their behavior and report to EEOC, but either way you’re gonna end up leaving the company.

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Or they just make you leave,happen to me as well. As the only woman that was their solution when I said something

Is there another manager or supervisor you trust to have a conversation with?

If there is no formal HR department, ask management who is the right person to go to with HR issues and complaints. They should still have a designated person. Otherwise, if it is severe and impacting your role, you can always check out options with the EEOC

You have to decide this: do you want to be a leader in this company or not? You have two paths here. You can decide that you do not want to fight this battle. That’s valid and there’s no judgement in that. If so, look for another job. If you want this company to change and be a good place for women to work, you have an opportunity to lead that charge. In startups, the first employees are usually the future leaders of the company grows, so you can demonstrate leadership if you tackle this head on.

Find a mentor to support you in this and take charge. Don’t wait for someone else to do it for you, because they won’t. I’m happy to help if there are specific things you’d like to address.

That's tough. It's not gonna be easy because you're outnumbered but don't let them push you aside.

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