Ms NOVEMBER 1, 2015
ISSUE NO. 176
Subtle sexism at the workplace
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Nine steps to a healthy you
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inside En vogue —
Majestic Magnificence
Domestic goddess —
Chocolate mug cake
Section In-Charge: Dilaira Dubash Sub-Editors: Amna Hashmi Nisma Chauhan Designer: Umar Waqas Feedback: women@tribune.com.pk
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The glittering Yasmin Karimi
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The buzz
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, NOVEMBER 1, 2015
By Kanwal Tariq Charlotte Proudman, a barrister and PhD student at the University of Cambridge, recently came under fire for exposing what she thought was a sexist comment by a senior solicitor. The remark – likely meant as a compliment – came from Alexander Carter Silk, a partner at Brown Rudnick LLP, after he accepted Charlotte’s invitation on the global networking website, LinkedIn. Widely regarded as an online workplace, LinkedIn is used by professionals around the world to liaise with others in their fields, hoping to discover potential employers and employees. Perhaps that is why Charlotte felt Alexander’s appreciation of her profile picture (he claimed it was ‘stunning’ and the best he had ever seen) was inappropriate and riddled with sexist undertones. Regardless, there has been much conjecture over the matter for the past month or so. Charlotte has been dubbed a ‘Feminazi’ by those in support of her alleged offender, with people judging her private pictures on Facebook and elsewhere. There is also a screenshot of a ‘vicious’ email Charlotte apparently wrote to her dying grandmother. But none of the hype surrounding the incident makes much argument for the issue at hand i.e. sexism in the professional world. The world may have moved on from overt gender discrimination in the workplace but there still exists in a less apparent, more nuanced form across several professions. This low-level sexism maybe unintentional but still damages those on the receiving end, i.e. working women. It manifests itself in subtle ways, such as a company’s policy to delegate financial matters to male employees only as they are thought to be better at numbers than female ones. Certain kinds of jokes, compliments and generalised statements based on one’s gender also fall under the same category. Unfortunately, the problem is more conspicuous than one would expect. Many women subjected to it have difficulty pinpointing exactly what is wrong. They understand when something is inappropriate but fail to explain to their male coworkers why. In Pakistan, in fact, the gender bias may have ingrained itself so deeply that women have accepted it, making it even harder for them to spot sexism when it occurs. But overlooking an issue – whether intentionally or unintentionally – does not help eradicate it.
For those who are still perched on the fence regarding this ‘soft’ sexism, here are a few examples to get the point across: 1) Women are expected to know and perform the ‘office housework’: Although this is somewhat extreme, there have been instances wherein much of the ‘housework’ types of chores were relegated to women workers only. For instance, Sadia Rehman*, an assistant professor at a local university is repeatedly blackmailed into preparing tea for her male colleagues. “They indirectly force me into it,” shares Sadia. “Some of them have actually declared that such tasks are for women so I should oblige. Making tea, however, is not as much of the problem as is having to cater to every male professor, senior or junior.” 2) Women are expected to be helpful and comply with everything: In most offices, the responsibility of human resource management usually rests upon
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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, NOVEMBER 1, 2015
female shoulders. Reluctance to perform any supplementary roles outside of their job description usually results in a career backlash. Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant rightfully wrote, in their article “Madam CEO, Get Me a Coffee”, that, “A man who doesn’t help is busy; a woman is selfish.” In fact, a psychology study led by Madeline Heilman of New York University found that men are rated 14% higher than women when they perform extra tasks. The latter, however, is rated 12% lower should they refuse to comply. Consequently, they are less likely to be considered for promotions and increments. 3) Women are judged upon their appearance, not achievements: While dressing appropriately is indeed a pre-requisite for success in the corporate world, it should not be treated as the sole indicator of professional ability. In most places, the standards for a woman are much higher than for a man, which is distracting to say the least. In his book Marissa Mayer and the Fight To Save Yahoo!, journalist Nicholas Carlson uses the CEO of the internet giant to reject the concept altogether. “Mayer has shown up to the most important meetings of her life with wet hair and no makeup on,” he writes. Had Marissa been a man, there would have been much less hullabaloo about physicality. Here in Pakistan, we take things up a notch by labeling a woman a ‘forward’ or ‘prude’ for dressing in a particular fashion. 4) Assertive women are considered aggressive: This is arguably the greatest tragedy in the history of the corporate world. Women holding positions of leadership are routinely taken less seriously than their male counterparts. In fact, an assertive nature is considered unbecoming and irritating when displayed by a woman, even in a non-professional setting. Women are expected to be more feminine in their approach, smiling and forwarding their opinions amicably. Sidra Riaz, an officer at an international service provider, for instance, was asked to tone down critique whenever she highlighted a mistake by male colleagues. “I was the only female in the group and my criticism was taken too harshly,” she says. “I was told that doing so doesn’t suit women.” 5) Female contributions are often ignored: It is surprisingly common for the contributions and achievements of female employees to be overlooked and sometimes, ridiculed. In general, interrupting a woman is perfectly alright, even during presentations and intense discussions.
Harassment is one of the numerous forms in which sexism presents itself. Remarks pertaining to the appearance of women, discriminatory jibes and seemingly ‘accidental’ physical contact are part of the phenomenon common to workplaces around the world. Interestingly, sexual harassment often germinates from the most unlikely places. For instance, Nimra Gulzar’s* experience began when she claimed to want to resume swimming in response to a question about personal deliverables. The very next day, she was summoned by her boss and asked to describe how she likes to dress when she went swimming. “He was afraid that the male employees would become distracted if I swam,” shares Nimra. “I reminded him that it wouldn’t matter what I wore considering
that the office pool has special timings for women.” Unsurprisingly, her deliverable was held back following the episode. Although most firms have stringent laws to safeguard against sexual harassment, many victims fail to report it as they feel embarrassed or fear termination. Matters are made worse when the offender is an immediate boss or senior. This was the case with Ellen Pao, a junior investor at a California-based venture capitalist who lost a lawsuit against her firm recently. She had reported a colleague’s biased behaviour and claimed to have been dismissed from her job for refusing to back down. Ellen may have been unable to divulge sufficient evidence but the case highlighted how common sexual harassment is, even in the burgeoning tech industry in the West.
Recently, a meta-analysis of 88 independent studies – entitled Harmful Workplace Experiences and Women’s Occupational Wellbeing: A Meta-Analysis – revealed that sexism and harassment are equally detrimental to the female health and psyche. In the study, published by Dr Victor E Sojo and his colleagues in The Psychology of Women, the authors argue that covert sexism should be regulated as much as overt sexism to help further the cause. Another study, Gender Differences in Burnout, claimed women are more vulnerable to emotional exhaustion, consistent with their emotional involvement in whatever they do. However, it must be noted that the reason behind this is not just natural female sentimentality but the emotionally-heavy tasks that they are usually given to them as well. Workplaces plagued by sexism or harassment soon become too hostile for women to work within which can hamper their productivity in the long run.
This is not to say that all male colleagues are working against women; many actually promote female involvement in corporate affairs. Still, it is those acquiring senior positions who should take measures to put the issues to rest and create an environment women workers feel secure in. Policies should be implemented to penalise those who have a tendency to discriminate and proper complaint channels should be set up. Any organisation would benefit as a whole if they could guarantee a thriving and encouraging corporate environment. Although women are, more often than not, the victims of sexism, one should realise that many a time, they are the perpetrators as well. To elaborate, scientist Naheed Imran* reiterates a suggestion she received from her female recruitment manager on her very first day on the job. The latter advised Naheed to refrain from hiring female employees as they usually resign upon marriage or pregnancy. A male applicant however, would never be subjected to such insinuations. Women must first learn to respect themselves and each other before admonishing others for not doing so. *Names have been changed to protect privacy. Kanwal Tariq is a bio-technologist, a writer and a feminist. She blogs at Whirling Cosmos (kanwalmeghjii.wordpress.com)
Design by Talha Khan
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En vogue
A look at Shemyel Javed’s latest formal ensembles Coordination: Umer Mushtaq Hair and make-up: Saba Ansari at Sabs Designer: Shemayel Javed Photography and styling: Rohail Khaled Model: Maham
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, NOVEMBER 1, 2015
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, NOVEMBER 1, 2015
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Lifestyle
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, NOVEMBER 1, 2015
Staying healthy is not a one-time activity but rather a lifestyle choice that you need to make daily. Considering the ways in which our current lifestyle poses many health risks, it is imperative to practice healthy habits for a better quality of life without grave health issues like obesity, hearts risks and diabetes. One of the blessings of the modern world is the availability of cooking solutions with grilling and air-frying technology that allows cooking with very small amounts of oil. So cutting bad cholesterol from your food is easier than ever, the rest is all about adapting these healthy habits and sticking to them. Following are nine simple tips that you can incorporate to adapt a healthier lifestyle.
By Maimoona Mobeen
Cooking is an art and a general interest in this art has been observed of late in Pakistan. We now have a myriad of cooking shows on air for this reason and almost every chef featured encourages the use fresh ingredients for cooking. This not only improves taste but increases the nutritious value of the food immensely. Fresh vegetables, fruits and meat are readily available in the local markets. All you have to do is make a quick trip to your nearest grocery store and handpick your favourites.
Counting your blessings keeps you humble but counting calories can keep you in shape. Fixing a set calorie intake for each day can prove to be an effective way of controlling health. However, one should know the difference between healthy and empty calories: consuming the latter does not provide the body sufficient nutrition. Cholesterol levels should be kept in mind as elevated cholesterol levels are the reasons for early heart disease. The easiest way to cardiac health is to opt for home-cooked, shallow-fried or air-fried options when indulging in fried delicacies.
Working out regularly releases endorphins — the ‘happy hormone.’ Consult a fitness instructor to devise a workout regime that best suits your physical needs and abilities. If money is an issue, just download a health app on your smart phone which will direct you to a world of exercises. Taking out time from a busy schedule to work out every day might seem like an uphill task but the benefits outweigh the pain by a drastic margin.
When it comes to cooking food, there is one cardinal rule you should remember: the lesser the cooking time, the healthier the food will be. Salads and cold cut sandwiches are some healthy options one should opt for. Other than using lean meat and low calorie ingredients, a great idea is to switch from conventional methods of cooking and try out alternative options such as air frying, grilling and baking. These techniques aren’t just easy and quick but also significantly reduce calories and cholesterol by using less oil.
A relatively modern method that recently made headway in the health industry is infused water. Keeping hydrated throughout the day is the most essential of health hacks but the truth is, we all find it difficult to ensure that we consume the daily minimum of water (i.e. at least 11 glasses). To get around this, add some natural flavour to the water to prepare what is termed as infused water. This can be easily be concocted by adding small amounts of your favourite fruits and herbs to the glass/bottle. The ingredients that top the chart are: lemon, mint and honey, apple, cinnamon, mango and ginger, strawberry and lime.
Most people wrongly assume that snack items comprise of junk food only. On the contrary, one can always opt for healthy snacks like fresh carrots or cucumbers with dips, dry fruits or even air-fried sweet potato fries. You may reward yourself by indulging in some junk once a week to keep those cravings at bay. It could be a small chocolate bar or packet of chips or cookies — just make sure you don’t binge. Maimoona Mobeen is a marketing fanatic by profession and full-time foodie with a love for writing. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Advertising & Media Management.
Meals can be made more nutritious if they are planned properly. You should focus on incorporating all food groups in your meal plans, in adequate portions. These include carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, healthy fats, minerals and vitamins, etc. Ideally, whole wheat, lean meat, sea food, eggs, fruits, vegetables, pulses, nuts and low fat dairy foods are the healthiest options. A great way to determine if you’re on the right track is to make sure that your plate is colourful, which ensures all essential nutrients are being consumed. Follow the food pyramid to learn about the right portions from each food category.
Go by the book and follow the age old sayings. The concept of “breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dine like a pauper” isn’t just a myth. It actually pays off if you really live by it! Having a wholesome meal early in the day elevates blood sugar levels and keeps the mood swings at bay. Not to mention, consuming complex foods earlier in the day gives the body ample time to digest them completely. Other small lifestyle changes like using the stairs instead of elevators also go a long way.
Undisturbed sleep does wonders for your health. A minimum of eight hours a day is imperative for improved skin, hair and de-stressing. Maintaining a proper sleep cycle also boosts energy levels and efficiency. A quick secret to staying active and alert is to take power naps during the day for instant rejuvenation. Staying healthy is not a one-time activity but rather a lifestyle choice that you need to make daily. Considering the ways in which our current lifestyle poses many health risks, it is imperative to practice healthy habits for better quality of life without grave health issues like obesity, hearts risks and diabetes. One of the blessings of the modern world is the availability of cooking solutions with grilling and air-frying technology that allow cooking with very small amount of oil. So cutting bad cholesterol from your food is easier than ever, the rest is all about adapting these healthy habits and stick to them. Here’s to a good health and great life!
Design By Maryam Rashid
Domestic goddess 7
THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, NOVEMBER 1, 2015
By Huba Akbar
Chocolate Mug Cake
All the goodness of chocolate cakes in one, small mug
Ingredients • • • • • • • •
All-purpose flour 1/2 cup Cocoa powder 2 tbsp Chocolate chips 2 tbsp Baking powder 1/2 tsp Sugar 2 tbsp Milk 1/2 cup Chocolate spread 1 tbsp Chocolate syrup 2 tbsp
PHOTO: HUBA AKBAR
Method • Combine together all the dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. • Gradually stir in the milk, making sure there are no clumps in the batter. • Add the chocolate chips and syrup and mix some more. • Pour the batter into a microwaveable mug, adding one tablespoon of chocolate spread in the centre. • Microwave the mug for 70 to 75 seconds, until the batter has cooked through. • Demold the cake from the mug or enjoy it straight from there.
The seven cardinal rules of baking in a mug Don’t get swayed by how easy mug cakes appear — they can be surprisingly tricky! But to help you out, we have shortlisted the following baking tips that will surely come in handy, especially for the newbie bakers. Read on and be on your way to cake success! Microwave safety is a must So, first things first. Safety is very important, especially when it comes to cooking. You must ensure that the utensils you are using are 100% microwave safe. Any kind of glass, jar or even paper cup will suffice, so long as it has got the safety sign on it. Stick to self-rising flour If there is one thing all celebrity chefs swear by, it is self-rising flour. The ingredient has been proven to produce better and more consistent mug cakes. If you wish to conjure your own flour up, simply mix one cup of allpurpose flour with a pinch of salt and 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder and you are good to go. A glass half full The golden rule of baking in mugs is to never — ever — fill them more than halfway up. Over-filling will lead to over-flowing and a great big mess in your microwave. Check it out Keep a regular tab on the progress of your cake by carefully touching the top again and again. It should feel firm and springy — not raw and doughy. Keep cooking for another 15 seconds, every time the cake comes out undone. Don’t mind the colour Most normal cakes acquire a golden-brown shade on the top once they are cooked. This is due to the caramelisation of the sugar present in the batter, which occurs at around 160 degrees Celsius. Unfortunately, a regular microwave does not heat further than a 100 degrees Celsius, which means the cake wont brown. It will remain a, golden/tan colour. Be prepared for some sinking At times, the cake deflates a little and doesn’t come out looking as nice as you would have liked. But don’t worry because it still tastes great. You can give it a generous layer of icing to conceal the structural flaws.
SOURCE: WWW.BUZZFEED.COM
Woman of the week 8
Me.
With my friend Nosheen.
Entrepreneur
Sisters Zara & Sa ra.
In a rush to lose weight, many people enter into a diet regime without thinking it through. Soon enough, the consequences begin to manifest themselves, often affecting our moods adversely. More often than not, it is young girls who locate random diets popularised by click bait and end up suffering. There appears to be a variety of such unwholesome diets available online but a dearth of legitimate information to help one sort through. However, contrary to popular belief, these seemingly easy diets prove to be the most detrimental in the long run. Some of them have even been fatal! Considering society’s penchant for weight loss, it is no wonder we are elbows deep in incorrect information on how to become thin. These are the facts and the foes — know the difference!
The lower the carbs, the harder the diet?: Dieticians and nutritionists across the world suggest that low-carb diets are more difficult to keep up with but this is not always true. When compared with low-fat diets, these are easier to follow as they reduce appetite. Therefore, controlling your carb intake will help expedite the weight-loss process.
The need to consume all food groups: In order for a low-carb diet to work, certain items must be eliminated from your plate. Having said that, one should know that most of these foods fulfill no purpose anyway. Such diets are not lacking in carbs. Not to mention, there is plenty of room for fruits and vegetables to satisfy your nutritional needs.
Saturated fat diets that are low on carbs: This is a myth that has never been proven. Where these diets are high in saturated fats, they raise HDL — the ‘good cholesterol’. Its role is to prevent heart diseases, rather than cause them.
Diet sodas are not the best alternatives: Many dieters stick to sugar-free drinks, assuming the low calorie count will keep them healthy. While this is indeed true, considering the relatively low amount of sugar contained in the drink, the practice can cause a variety of other problems. For instance, sodas have been found to increase the likelihood of obesity, tooth decay, cancer, kidney failure and certain reproductive problems. Those looking to lose weight should switch to fresh fruit juices or smoothies to keep cravings at bay.
Low carb diets are not safe in the long run: Many people believe these diets result in unhealthy conditions later on in life but that too, has yet to be proven.
Ketosis isn’t always a problem: Many low-carb diets have been criticised for causing ketosis. For those of you who do not know, ketosis occurs when you eat less than 50 grams of carbs per day. Ketone bodies are produced naturally when fats are burned for energy production, instead of glucose. These cross the blood barrier and are used up by the brain and there is no harm in this. Dieters often confuse Ketosis with Ketoacidosis, a condition in diabetes.
Design By Maryam Rashid