Hi Five ?? To The Guys!

We're celebrating another International Women's Day for 2024 and while the world takes a minute to reflect on the progress made towards gender equality, it's still important to be aware we still have a way to go and equally important to acknowledge the guys amongst us making it happen.

As the mother of one amazing woman, Danielle and one amazing guy, Matthew and now Nanna B to their three amazing daughters (Grace, Bonnie and Luna born only a week ago), I'd like to think that we are collectively contributing to their future as women.

So this post isn't just to reflect a day that highlights the achievements and challenges of women worldwide of which there are SOOO many! it is also to give a high five to the guys!

Those who are supportive of us women in what we do both at home and at work.

Men like my husband, Tim McClelland !

Not only does he carry my bags (and got a free Green Card for doing it ??), but his ego enables him to proudly to wear a lanyard that states 'KEYNOTE SPEAKER HUSBAND'!

Yet, while I share my story with you, I am also aware having my very own "wingman" is not something every woman can say she has.

Some will argue they don't need one.

And that's OK,

But you guys are important in our lives.

You give us perspective!

We all need someone to champion ambitions, be a sounding board for frustrations, and also be a constant reminder of our worth when self doubt creeps in.

We all need someone whose belief in us fuels that purpose and perseverance, especially in moments when we feel the world is against us.

And this type of intimate and personal support can't be overstated because it is not just about having someone to lean on but having someone who actively believes in women's potential and fights for it in parallel on the other side.

This is beyond my personal story...

It's a call to action for men everywhere to be allies to the women in their lives - from work to home and from home to work - because it is all part of the whole.

It's a call to being a strong ally beyond passive support.

So, how can you help on an everyday level?

• Give women the floor in meetings and discussions.
• Listen to their ideas with respect and without interrupting
• Offer mentorship to women colleagues
• Invite us into meetings or social events
• Speak up against sexist comments or jokes.
• Listen for, and look out for, the ignorance around exclusion
• Don't assume others recognise our value even though it's a no brainer for you
• Support our ideas and opportunities
• If faced with a decision of guy's ideas over girl's ideas, catch your bias and the reason why.

We aren't NEEDY, but we do NEED you!

In saying that...

It's about balance!

I'll probably get burned at the stake for saying this but I think women can be their own worst enemies at times. Over the journey there have been those that have negated and demanded "more, more, more" from men because of their biases.

I get it.

But I also think we need to appreciate those men who encourage a culture where support for women is the norm, not the exception.

And that doesn't mean we see you guys as saviours or want you to fix us.

We are not broken!

We do want to partner with you, though, and we want you to partner with us.

Because the path is often not an easy one!

Especially when you realise not every woman has access to support. So many women navigate their battles alone, with no one by their side.

I've been there!

A single mum of a one year old baby girl until she was six. In the middle of an alpha male sales environment where attend early morning and late night meetings was a non-negotiable and where speaking up about being a mum would be a case of 'suck it up!'

Having to balance a mortgage in the 18% interest era and make my numbers during the 'recession that Australia had to have' when I knew my male colleagues were on a base rate of thousands of dollars more than me and were being given a leg up to make their trips was hard to accept and then front up with a smile.

Whilst times are different for me now, it's still a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done for too many others.

As We Move Forward...

I'd ask more guys to think a little broader.

There are so many male allies ready and waiting to support women but may not give it a second thought because the smiles mask the hurt.

• If you are a sales leader and you have women in your team
• If you are a salesperson and also have women in your team
• If you are have a colleague who is a woman

Then have some awareness around the biases that might be at play that you would never have noticed, because ... well, quite honestly, why would you notice?

This is a collective journey, and with every step that a woman takes forward, supported by allies like my husband and others, is when we will come closer to a world of fulfilment and true equality.

Thank you to those guys who have supported me on my journey.

Truly supported me! I appreciate you.

Continue to Be Bold, Brave and Brilliant

Bernadette

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