Fewer Words, More Action For Women's Equality

The timing of International Women's Day is ironic for me as it falls on my Mom's birthday (Happy Birthday Mom, I love you!).

As I sat and thought about her this morning, I recall the stories she told me about when she worked for St. Jude Children's Hospital as a Director of Fundraising and how she ran a hotel in St. Thomas, V.I. She gave that up when she had me and I've never once taken that for granted. She was a strong and successful woman and shared that drive with me, but also taught me from an early age to treat women equally and respectfully.

I've also been blessed to not only grow up around incredibly strong, amazing women, I've worked with and been lead by so many as well. While I am a vocal advocate and ally for equality for women in the workplace, and in life frankly, I've unfortunately had too many conversations with friends that indicate that we have a LONG way to go to give women the respect that they should have.

Now, in the last few years, the conversations have ramped up, initiatives have been launched, and more and more groups are being created to support women, but if you really want to support women, start putting your money where your mouth is every single day. The creation of true inclusion and belonging not only raises the morale of your company, but provides a wider array of talents and skills, as well as provides you the opportunity to be more profitable.

Here are some activities that must become commonplace immediately everywhere for some true momentum to occur:

Treat Women as the Professionals They Are

The double standard here is sickening. As a man, I've never had my life decisions questioned nor my private life judged in my professional world; too many women can't say the same thing. Her life plans, dating situation, or personal life isn't your business and should have zero impact on her performance, promotions, or pay.

Pay Women Equally

Speaking of pay, you would think after over 5 decades of conversation about the Equal Pay Act, that we'd have this sorted out. Wrong. For women, especially women of color, we need to close the gap and close it now.

Zero Tolerance Sexism

This should be a no-brainer, but it's something that companies and leaders need to be reminded of unfortunately. Until the 42% of women who face gender discrimination is 0%, we will still have work to do.

Additionally, there should be a zero tolerance policy everywhere against intimidating, discriminatory, and sexist commentary in companies. Again, shouldn't have to say it, but it's still happening. I don't care how much money someone is making your company, if they're sexist, they should be gone.

Eliminate Tokenism

Again, keeping positivity in the conversation, many companies have exhibited action behind their diversity initiatives and I have to applaud that this specific conversation has ramped up. However, who you put on a pitch document or on a team to win the business should be exactly how the work is not only distributed to, but credited to, when it comes through. Give them the work, the credit, the promotions, and the personal development investment that they deserve.

Let Them Be Heard & Seen

Another thing that shouldn't have to be brought to our attention, but here we are. It will take all of us being vocal and accountable to make sure that women aren't talked over, expected to be note takers, or have their ideas regurgitated with a male voice for credit. As the saying goes that we're all accustomed to, "If you see something, say something." If you're in a meeting where any of these things happen, take a breath, pause the person, and turn the attention back to the original speaker.

The bottom line is that true equality will never occur until poor behavior is called out and corrected. It will take all of us to make this happen, but it is the respect we would all hope to have for ourselves, our family members, and our children in future workforces. Let's start the massive shift now.

Rich Bracken?is an energetic keynote speaker and marketing executive who blends data and research with emotion and case studies to share insights and strategies on how to implement sustainable positive change. His focus and passion is to help individuals and organizations perform at a higher level both personally and professionally. He has served numerous Fortune 100 clients and global organizations as a keynote speaker and consultant and is a Professor of Leadership and notable media personality appearing in such outlets as ABC, ESPN, Thrive Global, Vice, and Goalcast and this spring he will be presenting on the TEDx stage.

To inquire about Rich's speaking availability for your next event or conference, contact him at [email protected]