In a thought-provoking LinkedIn post, Jingjin Liu, the founder of Elevate, shares a personal experience that shook her understanding of gender equity in the workplace. Recounting a defining moment from eight years ago, Liu highlights a stark reality many women face in professional settings.

Liu was summoned by her division's Vice President to prepare for a critical meeting with one of the world's largest automotive manufacturers. The pressure was palpable, with over 200 employees working tirelessly to ensure success. The VP's urgency was clear: "Jingjin, you have 5 hours to get ready. Can you do this?"

As Liu braced herself for a career-making opportunity, she was blindsided by a question that no professional expects to hear from a superior: "What are you wearing right now?" Initially bewildered, Liu learned that the client's president had a notorious reputation for inappropriate behavior toward women. The VP felt the need to provide this unsettling heads-up for her safety.

This moment was a turning point for Liu. "The conversation shifted from my expertise to my safety," she recalled. Recognizing that she had to navigate not only the professional aspect of the meeting but also the potential threats to her personal comfort, she prepared a junior male colleague to accompany her as a protective measure.

Though Liu successfully managed the situation and delivered her talking points, she couldn’t ignore the complexity and weight of that moment.

Liu's intention in sharing her story goes beyond personal experience. She aims to illuminate the often overlooked struggles women face at work and motivates others to challenge the status quo regarding gender inequality. Many women endure similar encounters yet remain silent due to a "misplaced sense of shame." Liu calls for a sober acknowledgment that despite perceived progress, women still find themselves weighing their safety against their professional expertise.

“The scales aren’t balanced,” she emphasized, urging for a candid discourse about these ongoing challenges in workplaces. As Liu poignantly expressed, she hopes for a future where women can focus solely on their performance without the shadow of vulnerability looming overhead.

Intriguingly, while Liu addresses these critical issues, data reveals that Singapore is making strides toward gender equality. According to the latest United Nations Gender Inequality Index, Singapore ranks first in the Asia Pacific and eighth globally for low gender inequality. The Ministry of Social and Family Development reported significant increases in female workforce representation. Between 2013 and 2023, the employment rate for women aged 25 to 64 rose dramatically, and there’s been a noteworthy increase in women holding leadership positions, climbing from just 7.5% to 22.7% in leading corporations.

However, as Liu poignantly concludes, "If you believe equity is here, look closer. Because no one should have to ask themselves, 'What am I wearing?' before a career-defining meeting." Her call to action reverberates beyond her own experience, calling for both awareness and active change in workplaces everywhere.