Examining why some women speak out : a preliminary study using TEDtalks by women

Abstract

Studies continue to show that gender discrimination is an ongoing barrier for women seeking leadership roles. Further, the research evidence also shows that gender equality has stalled and, in some cases, has even gone backwards in business, industry, and politics. Yet, many women chose not to speak out about the barriers or challenges that they face in attaining and/or working in leadership roles. The literature on gender discrimination has provided very little explanation as to why some women choose to speak out about the barriers and challenges they have experienced. In order to better understand this phenomenon of women speaking out, three TEDtalks by women were selected for analysis. The analysis of the three TEDtalks showed that each of the women took personal accountability for their choices, ignored social expectations of women’s roles in the home and at work, had a personal impact on those around them, and experienced gender discrimination first hand. Findings from this preliminary study indicate that even successful women continue to face barriers and challenges; as such further research is recommended with a focus on why it is that some women do not speak out.