Making a Difference on IWD & Every Day

Today, March 8th is International Women’s Day. It’s a day to celebrate the cultural, economic, political and social accomplishments of women around the world. This year’s theme is #EachforEqual, and to me “Each for Equal” means that each of us has the opportunity contribute to the progress our society is making toward gender equality. There are so many ways that we can have an individual impact on gender equality; here are 10 simple ways that anyone can make an impact:

1. Make sure the women in your life know how much you appreciate them, how proud you are of their accomplishments, and how supportive you are of their dreams and aspirations. Don't just think it... say it!
2. Take anti-bias training to recognize your personal bias (yes, we all have some, including me) https://www.edx.org/course/unconscious-bias-from-awareness-to-action      
3. Adopt a zero-tolerance stance for sexual harassment, racism, and gender-based violence.
4. Demand equal pay for equal work. As hiring managers, don’t take advantage of the fact that a female candidate makes a lot less in her current job so you can offer her less than you had planned… raise her up to what you expected to pay for this position.
5. Make an effort to build diverse teams at work – A diverse team is a far more effective team. Diversity comes in many forms… gender, ethnicity, gender-identity, race, and religion and all result in diversity of thought. Encourage women you know, especially women of color, to apply for that open position!
6. When you’re made aware of something problematic in your speech, listen and reflect on it. Some people have the tendency to use the term “guys” to a large group even though it is a mixed group. These terms, though unintentional, are considered micro-aggressions.
7. Help women gain power – Elevate women with whom you work and ensure that they have a voice. It can be as simple as speaking up in a meeting and saying… “Hey <Mary> when we spoke earlier you had a great idea about _____, can you share it with all of us here?”
8. Reject chauvinistic and racist attitudes and that includes seemingly harmless jokes and water cooler comments. Don’t use them yourself and call out your friends and co-workers when they use them.
9. Support mothers and parents – Make sure your team members feel free to take advantage of personal and family leave time. Your team member may already be feeling uncomfortable about taking family time off during a big project to spend time with their new child or sick family member, don’t make them feel guilty for it by how you react. Be supportive.
10. For those of us who are partners and/or parents… share household chores and childcare equally. I can assure you; your partner will appreciate it! This is one of the biggest contributing factors to relationship bliss… or discourse.

We each need to think about how we will help build a more equal world in 2020… Personally, I will challenge gender-based stereotypes, in either direction, whenever I see them. What will you do?

My wish for all of the amazing women in my life on IWD: May you dream big and shoot for the moon, may your achievements be even bigger, and may you be the women who inspire our society to be the best we can be in 2020!