Women's History Month - How Workplaces Can Do More

The gender gaps at workplaces are a complex lattice of systemic problems - they percolate workplaces, homes, childcare, roads, work hours, allies, bystanders, you name it!

But here's the thing.

In large parts, it is also about what stories go about, about women - both inside their heads as well as outside in the minds of their workplace stakeholders.

And this is exactly where Sharing Circles and?Storytelling?Programs help like a Rajnikanth bullet - hit three targets in one clean shot.

1. Personal catharsis

Stories of our self-doubts and confusions, our jugglery with children and career, our unheard voices in meetings and bouts of imposter syndrome at every golden glitter of achievement, these are for real.

But then, they are invisible. Like our invisible labour in putting a cranky child to sleep, or the worry we carry around when we head from the PTM straight to the board meeting.

The only way to work through this cloud is to be aware of these narratives, work our way right through them, and reframe them in favour of our strengths and wins.

2. Professional confidence

When you have navigated your narratives and found more clarity in your own heart, the time comes to step up even more.

To be seen, heard and understood.

To be visible.

To rise and shine.

To glitter, for the gold you are.

A good share of our professional confidence comes through when we carve out our personal brands and build the right networks.

From putting our heads down and working harder to wanting to be remembered for the right opportunities, named for the right roles, mentioned on the award nights.

Storytelling serves us to that end.

To present our side, to shine a light on our talents and strengths, to become visible and center-stage.

3. Societal narratives

As more and more women step up to become vocal and visible, the mainstream narratives shift their river-bends in favour of the women.

We redefine ideas of "success" "power" and "leadership skills" not by emasculating our behaviour styles but by owning up to natural ways.

That, then, becomes the new normal.

The new history.

ALSO READ -

Storytelling as a core DEIB Strategy

So, the time is here.

As women, not only can we not afford to miss the bus anymore, we also got to stretch our arms long to pick up more of our sisters along the way.

We got to do better. Be better.

Be ourselves!

With the power of our true, authentic stories.

Let's create our new history, this Women's History Month 2023!

Also watch -

TEDX Talk: Women and Workplaces by Sinjini Sengupta