Do you know this feeling? You walk into a meeting room – the only woman there. I've experienced this for years. Me and my 5-7 international colleagues. The men come in, and the first conversation revolves around rugby, cricket, or football. They laugh, exchange stories, and know perfectly well that you can't join in. It’s subtle, and no matter how well-prepared or confident you are for the meeting, you’re out. Businesswoman, mother, wife, juggling full-time, with a double load. And if you ever have a few minutes to yourself, you certainly wouldn’t spend them watching football. And now? The first ten minutes of the meeting you’re simply excluded.

 

What do you do?

Of course, we fight our way back in. No big deal. Once, I interrupted the conversation and asked, "So, what do you think of the new Chanel colours?" There was a brief confusion. And then I smiled and said, "That's exactly how I feel with you guys every time."

Silence. Then: a slight nod. But whether it was truly understood – hmm, the change was too short for that.

 

That was my way, but I wonder: How often have you found yourself in a similar situation? What are your strategies? How do you bring yourself back into the conversation, and how do you ensure that inclusion is not just a word but a practice?

 

I would love to hear your experiences – because inclusion starts in everyday life, in every meeting, in every conversation.