Sophie Hyde

On #InternationalWomensDay this week (so perhaps I was more attuned than usual) I flew with British Airways from London City to Zurich and was struck by the “everyday sexism” of the cabin crew: every time they spoke to the male passenger next to me they called him “sir”, whereas I received no salutation. It was very obvious: “Would you like breakfast, Sir?.. And would you like breakfast?” “Coffee for you, Sir?… And for you?” We were both dressed in business suits and of a similar age – the main difference between us was gender. I admit this is not the greatest issue facing women today, but it does display an underlying mindset that troubles me. I posted the incident on BA’s Facebook page yesterday, but have yet to receive a response.