‘The Authority Gap’ explores why women are less likely than men to be taken seriously in positions of authority; how they, for example, regularly experience insidious micro aggressions such as interruption, questioning, belittling - and how the qualities we have learnt to associate with authority are, in essence, ‘masculine’. There is a chapter on what we can do about it which, amongst other things, explores ways we can pro-actively expose ourselves to more women’s voices. This alleviates to some extent the feelings of frustration the book ignites, but you’re clearly left with the sense that there is an awfully long way to go.

My impulse to respond has been driven in part by excitement that at last the challenges I have faced in everyday interactions since as long as I can remember, suddenly have a name, a context, a data-driven backbone: systemic sexism, unconscious gender bias. 

Hardly new terms or concepts I hear you cry. Fair point. But did you also roll your eyes? If so, I’m afraid to say you are part of the problem. And before you get too uppity, actually we all are – part of the problem that is – hence the word systemic. 

Never has such damning data felt at once so mortifying yet simultaneously exhilarating to read. The overarching concept it sheds light on may well not be new, but the eloquent and scientific pinpointing of the (seemingly invisible) gender authority gap feels breathtakingly new. Not least because it told me what I’d needed to hear for such a very, very long time; I’m not imagining it.

How many times, in the few short days it took me to devour this book, did internalised, long suppressed rage come dangerously close to boiling point whilst reading that I am far from alone? That this problem is in fact gargantuan - experienced by the many, not the few? Solace in numbers perhaps, but outrage too that despite half the population suffering these injustices day in day out, still no one is really talking about it.

If even female world leaders continue to experience these challenges on a daily basis, then we can only begin to imagine their impact on successfully silencing our voices, our opinions, our unique strengths. Except we no longer have to imagine, because there is now a book dedicated entirely to it.

It feels apt to engage with this material from a communication perspective. Many of those whose voices we at 'In The Room' are trying to encourage, hone and raise, are those of women. As women ourselves we are naturally interested in what other women have to say and passionately want it to be heard. We’ve always known it was worth hearing, but it seems there are still plenty who need convincing - or who are simply not aware of the deafening female silence surrounding them. I sincerely hope this book will help change that.

I loved the image at the end of a world led solely by men being likened to a bird flying with only one of its wings (credit Mary McAleese). If I’ve learnt nothing else (I have, by the way) whilst exploring my privilege in the past few years, it is the importance of allyship; that I must proactively look for opportunities to collaborate with minority voices towards common goals, how I must lend my voice to those still struggling to be heard. And, importantly, how we might - by finally using that second wing - all gain from creating a more equitable society.

Hard to argue with, huh?*

*If you just muttered ‘no’, sighed or groaned, I would encourage you to read this book as a matter of extreme urgency…

Written by Hannah Emanuel

'In The Room' Training