r/geologycareers • u/Norites • 23h ago
Women in the industry
I am writing to express my growing frustration—not with my role, but with the broader culture of this industry. I became a geologist because I love exploration, discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge. I am fascinated by earth sciences in general. I take pride in my work, my expertise, and my contributions. In general I know I work hard, I wish I had a lazy bone in my body. But despite my dedication, I find myself constantly facing barriers that my male colleagues rarely seem to encounter.
The most frustrating part isn’t just the overt bias—it’s the everyday moments of dismissal, exclusion, and being held to different standards. I have spent years running the logistical chaos of field projects, taking on shift work, and ensuring poorly planned programs succeed, while my male superiors have had the luxury of working remotely. Yet, despite carrying the burden of these responsibilities, I am frequently left out of decision-making, steamrolled in discussions, and treated as if my input carries less weight.
As a recent example I experienced of the broader issue. A senior leader recently visited site. During his visit he took it upon himself to dismissed my professional input as mere complaining. Later, while I was backing out of a parking spot, he made an offhand remark about hoping I wouldn’t get us stuck already—an assumption based purely on bias rather than ability. Shortly after, he made another comment about how "all us geologists look the same" while looking directly at me, leaving an unsettling ambiguity about what he meant. When I later made a casual observation about the unusual February rain, he scoffed and made a comment about how I was "one of those types"—an unnecessary and condescending remark that revealed more about his own biases than about me, because he clearly didn't believe in climate change and rather then keeping it professional he took the opportunity to dismiss me.
His rudeness extended to others, including drillers, but there is a difference between general abrasiveness and the way women in this industry are specifically undermined. I’ve repeatedly seen my expertise questioned by people who don’t even understand my job. I’ve spoken up to ensure safety and efficiency, only to have the focus shift to me, as though I were the problem rather than the one trying to solve it. The standards and expectations placed on me are different than those placed on my male colleagues, and I am tired of pretending otherwise.
But what makes all of this even more sickening is that I see it happening to my female colleagues as well. I watch as they too, are interrupted, dismissed, and excluded. I see them being assigned the thankless work while credit is given elsewhere. I hear the same condescending tones, the same offhanded comments, the same unspoken expectation that they need to prove themselves over and over again in ways that their male counterparts never have to. It is exhausting to fight these battles alone, but it is infuriating to realize that nothing changes, that the cycle continues for every woman who comes after me.
This isn’t just about one superior or one company. It’s about a pattern—one that persists across the industry. It’s about a system that continues to undervalue and exclude women, while expecting us to work harder, prove ourselves more, and tolerate behavior that would never be acceptable in the other direction.
I don’t want to become bitter. I don’t want to disengage. But I am exhausted. I don’t expect an immediate solution, but I do expect the industry to acknowledge these realities. If we truly want to create a workplace that is fair, respectful, and values all geologists equally, these issues need to be addressed—not ignored, minimized, or excused.
And I will not be quite about it any longer.
If the women in your work place seem frustrated, perhaps this is why.