Though it might be tempting to think that our society has made significant strides forwards when it comes to equality of gender and the driving of sexism out of our culture, certain instances make it clear that we still have an awfully long way left to travel.
Of course, modern attitudes towards gender equality are light years ahead of previous generations, but clearly this does not mean we can now rest on our laurels and pat ourselves on the back in a satsified manner.
Women still face archaic and sexist attitudes in many daily circumstances - not least in the workplace.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/BeN3PeEnr-B/?hl=en&taken-by=thewwclub]]
Whether it be outmoded and impractical dress codes, the infamous 'glass ceiling' or lewd, leering male colleagues in a 'big boys club' style atmosphere it is hard to disagree with the notion that women have to deal with far more than men when it comes to career progession and even day-to-day happiness in their careers.
One woman certainly found this to be the case recently when she received a shocking response to a job application.
Carla Forcada shared the response she got from PR agency Impulsa Communication on Wednesday, and makes for depressing reading.
[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/forcada_carla/status/963708108467068928?]]
It reads;
"Hi Carla
"Thanks for sending your CV…We are currently in the selection process but we are looking for a guy because the role requires to work with accounts such as Carglass and Coca-Cola… and believe me, they need a man to be able to deal with the day to day, the visits, knowledge of production, etc. But we will keep your professional history at hand in case we need any future help.
"Thanks and good luck!"
Forcada's caption reads, "Unbelievable that there are still companies that do not support gender equality in the work environment."
After some suggested that the response might be rationalized by the idea that the company might require a successful applicant to under go plenty of physical labor, Forcada reminded them that she had applied for a job in advertising, and regardless, why should a woman be excluded from physical work in any case?
Coca Cola Spain soon became aware of the story, and posted the following statement;
"The Coca-Cola company does not work with Impulse Communication and rejects such discriminatory responses. We have an inclusive, diverse and egalitarian recruitment policy. We regret to see our name related to this discriminatory and unfortunate response."
[[twitterwidget||https://twitter.com/CocaCola_es/status/963816373326635009]]
The other company mentioned, Carglass replied to the tweet with this message;
"Hello @forcada_carla we want to personally apologize to you and all the people who are offended by this message, NOSOTR is [offended] as well. We have already expressed our position to Impulse Communication. Our company promotes gender equality and acts like this do not represent us."
It is great to see the two companies stand up for gender equality in the workplace, while this story surely serves as a timely reminder that we still have some way to go.
