Breaking Barriers

For a long time, women have been told where their place should be. In the home, they've said. Taking care of the kids and making the home a comfy, hearty, and warm place to be for the rest of the family while our gallant men went out into the world to fend for us. These expectations, deeply rooted in traditional gender roles, have shaped societal norms for generations. However, in the modern era, women have shattered these stereotypes, proving that their ambitions extend far beyond the confines of domesticity.

Consider the remarkable strides women have made in the corporate world. Icons like Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, and Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, have not only shattered glass ceilings but have also fundamentally altered the perception of leadership in traditionally male-dominated industries. Nooyi, known for her transformative leadership, and Barra, leading one of the world's largest automakers, exemplify how women have defied societal expectations to become influential leaders in the corporate realm.

Yet, as women break through barriers, a new set of challenges emerges. The boardroom, once considered a male-dominated arena, is now shared by both genders, but the struggle for equality is far from over.

It is literally impossible to be a woman.

Some of my favorite lines from the Mattel's Barbie 2023 movie, kind of explain it all in a nutshell. When Sasha's mom vents about what it means to be a woman in the real world to the Barbies, she made some profound statements that are actually a lot, if not every woman's reality in the workplace.

"You have to have money, but you can’t ask for money because that’s crass.

You have to be a boss but you can’t be mean.

You have to lead, but you can’t squash other people’s ideas.

You have to be a career woman but also always be looking out for other people.

But never forget that the system is rigged, so find a way to acknowledge that but also always be grateful.

You have to never get old, never be rude, never show off, never be selfish, never fall down, never fail, never show fear, never get out of line."

As I keep climbing up the ladder of the corporate world in my small space, I've had my fair share of these challenges and had to crawl my way through them.

How, you ask? I'd be lying if I said I knew myself. All I know is that in order to be a woman in the world of business, you need to be one step ahead of a everything at every given time. Slow down and you'll be kicked out without a second thought, go too fast and you'll be seen as doing too much. Confusing right? Yeah, the truth I am still getting a hang of it, even at this point.

Thankfully, it's not all bad. Companies today are doing their best to create a diverse and inclusive environment for all their employees as much as possible. Policies are being put in place to ensure every employee, regardless of gender, race, ability or disability, are given equal opportunities to be seen, heard and appreciated. But in my opinion, it all boils down to the individuals in the organization to translate all the well meaning policies into action.

So how can we, as employees, make life in the corporate world easier for all, especially women?

The first step is educating yourself.

I happen to be doing a bit of that for you by writing this aren't I? I might as well continue doing the Lord's work.

Take dedicated time to educate yourself on crucial topics such as gender issues, unconscious bias, and the unique challenges that women may encounter in professional settings. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these issues is not only a personal growth opportunity but also a pivotal step towards cultivating empathy and championing positive change within the workplace. As you expand your knowledge, you contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.

It is also important for you to be an Ally.

Act as an ally to your female colleagues. Stand up against discrimination or bias when you witness it. Use your voice to amplify the ideas and contributions of women in meetings and discussions. Be aware of and address microaggressions or subtle, indirect discrimination that may occur. Creating an environment where such behaviors are not tolerated helps foster a more inclusive workplace.

Give constructive feedback that focuses on skills and performance rather than gender.

Ensure that women's achievements and contributions are recognized and celebrated on par with those of their male counterparts. Establish clear and objective performance metrics that apply uniformly to all employees. This helps ensure that evaluations are based on skills, accomplishments, and contributions rather than subjective factors.

Participate in Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Engage in workplace initiatives focused on diversity and inclusion. Attend training sessions, workshops, or events that promote awareness and understanding of gender-related issues. Approach diversity training with an open mind and a willingness to unlearn stereotypes and biases. Embrace the opportunity to relearn and develop a more inclusive perspective that appreciates the diverse strengths each individual brings to the table.

Remember, creating a better workplace for women involves ongoing efforts and a commitment to continuous improvement. Let's all continue striving to make the workplace a more welcoming environment for women because hate it as you may, we're here to stay and we won't stay small to make others bigger!

Toodles and stay tuned for the next one!!