Horrified by the Telegraph’s assault on Cath Kidston. Have poor view of much of the press in any case but am 100 per cent behind Real Business in saying this is some of the worst.
Supposedly we live in an enlightened world where business women are as accepted as businessmen. I give little time to thinking about it but, when I do, conclude that’s absolute and utter balls. There is no way this sort of statement would ever be written about a man in business. I have met the same sort of prejudice as a single business woman, especially in the somewhat outdated London overspill town I run a business in. I remember attending a series of meetings with other so-called “business leaders” from the town – all men. The subject on the agenda was Tesco’s arrival in the town. During one lull, one of them turned, patted me on the arm and went “What do you think, dear” You must go shopping a lot?”. Equally, at the end of the meeting another turned and asked, “Did you cope with all that?” Obviously he thought a business meeting would be beyond my little blonde head. The approach on the street is no better. Rumours – I assume only outside the company – include me enforcing some right to sleep with every member of my staff to being a freemason.
Prejudice against women in business is alive and well – though, as a fellow woman, Cassandra Jardine should be doubly ashamed.
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