WHAT MORTGAGE WOMEN SAY: Q: What can
Q:
Have you personally witnessed or experienced sexist behavior in our industry? If so, how did it impact you?
Yes. Personally. Multiple men, underneath me in the company show no respect and make lewd comments about women straight to my face. Sweetie, honey and other derogatory terms used often. Yes. Both to myself and others. Was enraged. When I personally addressed, was blackballed at company by males. I found out I was paid over 50k less than a male in a similar back of house support position with less experience and less overall contribution to the financial success of the company. Yes. It has disgusted me. I’ve had people personally tell me that I’m successful because I’m pretty. Yes. I was fired from a position after I would not date my boss. I was required to sign NDA in order to get a small severance. I was told since I am female I don’t need to make as much money as my male counterpart. Absolutely. First hand. Everything from making jokes about spanking me in front of peers and co-workers (not kidding and not just on one occasion) to comments about men showing up to hear me speak because of my “two greatest assets” to straight up solicitation requests.
be done to address sexism in the mortgage profession?
Identify and eliminate misogynistic men from the industry, LISTEN and BELIEVE women’s testimonies about the men (even though they may be very senior in position), don’t try to silence the women that speak out thru industry relationships, and finally recognize and promote women equally! I think people need to keep their hands to themselves and be mindful of the things they say. We’re adults and need to behave in a manner that is appropriate and respectful of others. Hold people accountable for their words and actions. Don’t downplay it by saying, that’s just the mortgage business. More diversity in leadership positions. Male leaders calling out other male leaders when they are being sexist. It’s such a boys club that it will take a lot for a difference to be made. Little steps like making sure there is as much diversity as possible helps. Also, being willing to call out bad behavior when you witness it. Lenders need to support women and not associate with any organizations that do not support women or are led by an individual who does not support women. Lenders should also remove leaders who don’t actively support this objective. No amount of apologies will make up for this type of behavior. Source: NMP National Survey, July 2020
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