First published on LinkedIn.
Last week I created a poll about gender equity in the workplace:
Many of you responded with "Comfortable" or "Very Comfortable" and many of the comments mention that it depends on the audience. Oftentimes, women give up various aspects of themselves in order to be a better "culture fit" at work. We still have a long way to go until true gender equity exists in the workplace. Women currently hold 31 (6.2%) of CEO positions in S&P 500 companies (source).
This year's theme for Women's History Month is on Break the Bias, shedding a light on the contributions of women as it relates to the multiple hats they wear, whether at work, in the home, or in society at large.
And if you want to act on what you've learned, here are some ways to show up in the workplace:
#1 Making Room
These acts in the workplace involve Allyship. Learn about the barriers that are stopping women from entering or re-entering the workforce. At the end of the day, it's about making room for those that matter. What are their struggles and how can you do your part? Remember that it's not just your voice that makes you an A.L.L.Y., sometimes making room for others just means listening.
#2 Increasing Visibility
Consider the Intersectionality of the women in your workplace as well. Intersectional Invisibility refers to possessing multiple subordinate-group identities which can render people 'invisible' (source). Not so surprisingly at the intersection of sexism and racism, Black and Indigenous women are the most affected by this form of bias.
#3 All About Y-O-U
To be an A.L.L.Y., it begins with YOU. To do the work and continuously uncover your biases, you need to "slow down in order to speed up." You can't be inclusive if you don't have the knowledge or framework of a marginalized community; and you can't transfer the power, influence of change and privilege that you hold if you don't have an understanding or perspective of their struggle.
March 8 is International Women's Day! How do YOU plan to continue breaking your bias this year?
Until next month... Be well and stay safe & healthy!