International Women’s Day is a day to celebrate the remarkable achievements of women around the world, recognize the vital role of women in the workplace, and to raise awareness of the challenges women continue to face.
This year, I wanted to touch on some topics that are top of mind when it comes to having a career as a woman, and how we can commit to doing our part to create a more equitable and supportive environment in which all of us thrive.
Firstly, as we celebrate IWD, we must recognize the importance of actively advocating for each other and having a mentor or sponsor who offers advice and guidance to help develop our careers. Sponsors usually promote and advocate for career advancement, while a mentor provides direction on how to focus on our strengths and specific areas for improvement. Both can help us navigate the often-challenging world of work, so it’s important to cultivate these relationships and seek out opportunities to connect with others.
Secondly, women sometimes still face subtle bias in the workplace, which can include being interrupted during meetings, having ideas dismissed, or being judged based on appearance. The words we use at work also shape and influence the way we perceive others and how we are perceived. Personally, I always strive to structure words consciously and remove equivocating words (such as "what if"), which helps me convey the right message in an assertive and confident tone. We all need to watch out for biased situations, speak up when noticing unfair treatment, avoid stereotypes, and be mindful of the language we use.
As women, we also need to notice and stop apologizing excessively, and instead focus on taking ownership of our ideas and contributions. Using inclusive language that acknowledges the contributions of all team members also helps to create a more supportive and welcoming work environment. One inclusive approach I find effective is to always look for opportunities to ask the quieter people in the room for their opinion to encourage them to be involved in the conversations.
Thirdly, one of the dangers we face in our careers is projecting an image that we have everything figured out. This often leads to the perception that we don’t need help or guidance, which can prevent us from getting the support we all need. In addition, it can make others feel inadequate, like they don't have what it takes. The truth is, no one has it all figured out. It’s important to be honest about our challenges, seek help when we need it, and feel free to say when we don’t have an immediate answer to something.
Lastly, let’s take a moment to recognize the immense contributions that women make as parents and professionals. I recognize that balancing work and parenting is never easy, and it’s vital that we acknowledge the guilt and pressure women often face for not being able to give 100% to both. Guilt can often creep in when we prioritize our families over our careers or vice versa, but it’s okay to have different needs and life goals at different stages of our lives and to prioritize them in their own time. It’s essential to share our experiences and challenge stereotypes that perpetuate feelings of inadequacy.
Ultimately, International Women’s Day is a reminder that it’s up to all of us to break down these barriers and nurture a supportive environment where all women have the opportunity to take credit for their accomplishments, take on new challenges, and reach their full potential.
