More than just a cause

A couple of weeks ago I shared a TED Talk video on the need for women to be brave and not perfect…..and a friend promptly responded saying that she would like to join the movement. I had no real thought on what I could do and the incident got me thinking deep on DEI [Diversity, Equity and Inclusion] and what individuals could do to make a difference.

What is the right term - Feminist? Feminism? Women’s activist? Woman power? Equality? Bias for women? Women empowerment? Diversity?

In my experience, none of these terms somehow represent the career women well. Men feel threatened with these terms and movements like ‘Me Too’. The space that organizations are now looking at is about creating an environment that is inclusive to both men and women. No one can empower an individual; however, organizations can create a conducive environment for individuals to feel empowered and hence ‘Rise’.

Creating an environment that is inclusive for both men and women then is about having an open dialogue where both the sexes are able to relate and self-create a change. Hence, I prefer the term ‘Advocate for women’ which is about sharing a woman's perspective that will enable change for both. I am an advocate for women.

In an organizational set up, women are where they are, because they work really really hard, they are intelligent and smarter than many in the room, they have the fortitude, maturity and the gumption to make their mark. And, yet they are distinct, unique, vulnerable, nurturing and misunderstood.

Women at work are made to prove their capability all the time. Women end up doing more of non-promotable work that doesn’t advance their career like taking meeting notes or planning an employee party, handling a difficult low-revenue-generating client or asked to make cosmetic changes to presentations. Very often, they hear remarks like keep smiling or that they are a diversity hire or a woman CEO or are shot down when they ask for a raise with why would they need to be paid more.

Sexism is a reality and if things are to change both men and women need to see the double standards, bias, societal expectations and behaviors that diminish women in some way.

We as a society need to acknowledge that there is a need for men to help women promote equality in ways that actually make a difference.

Women need to affect change, take action, surface wrongdoings, speak out and support each other. It’s no longer enough for anyone to just talk, posture and be a silent witness.

Be the change you want to see.

I commit to use the social media channels to dialogue, challenging our beliefs about woman’s roles and address their self-restricting behaviors, give a voice to the obstacles that they continue to face, and educate/support them to transform and increase the respect men have for women in their lives. I choose to create safe spaces as a service for women to evolve through Life and leadership coaching.

A movement is created only if many of us individuals rise up in support of a cause. ?As a society, we need to drive the change with our children and in our families and workplaces faster than what it has taken till now – over 100 years.

For life and leadership coaching support, contact me on [email protected]