Well it doesn't have to be one or the other. It doesn't have to be either intimidation _or_ sexism. It can be both. She was being intimidated because she wasn't

Well it doesn't have to be one or the other. It doesn't have to be either intimidation _or_ sexism. It can be both. She was being intimidated because she wasn't respected and seen as lesser. I'd say this part really ties in the sexism to the intimidation: >an article carefully placed on my desk. I can’t remember the exact details, but it was about an outspoken woman getting her comeuppance.