Aggressive behavior in men is seen as decisive, forceful, ambitious, and leader-like; it is often commended and even rewarded. Aggressive behavior in women is seen as hysterical, domineering, bitchy, and certainly not rewarded. Even assertive behavior in women is misunderstood to be aggressive. Both conscious and unconscious or implicit bias are at play. Although individual men are not responsible for these inequities, we all (men included) need to work to change our culture.

Let’s agree that this double standard is unfair, and our workplaces need massive cultural change. This article is about how women can navigate through this double standard and still stand up for themselves.

Published in an issue of International Journal of Women's Dermatology on the topic of “The Gender Gap in Academic Dermatology and Dermatology Leadership: Problems and Solutions.”