Women's History Month: The Post-Script

As Women's History Month 2024 came to a close, I was, honestly, a little tired. But not as exhausted as the women, the allies, the activists, the change-makers, and the leaders who showed up, grabbed the mic, and reminded us that this conversation isn't over.

As someone who is responsible for the growth and development of a team, that feeling about that work really hit home. It's the time of year for performance reviews, putting us deep in self-reflection, a look back at the wins and the curveballs, but also the unknown future: what lessons will we apply going forward to meet our goals.

I saw daily how much passion, creativity, and energy goes into celebrating women. They wrote social copy, got quotes from thought leaders, designed events, and amplified stories about equality, justice, empowerment, and leadership.

The irony isn't lost on me that this is one more piece asking everyone to do more. But I do hope it can be the start of a broader conversation that I intentionally left until after our important month of reflection. If you're ready to take action, follow along.?

Be actively anti-sexist, not merely pro-women

It's a similar idea to Ibram X. Kendi's stance on anti-racism. He says it isn't enough to be "not racist," you have to be actively anti-racist. Similarly, allies for women must speak up and advocate for systems that disproportionately impact women and female-identifying people. Women can still be judged harshly for working flexible schedules to accommodate school pickup times, the multiple follow-up medical appointments after a questionable mammogram, or unintentionally sidelined when they go on FMLA leave, and it's everyone's job to shine a light on these instances. It can be even more insidious during goal-setting — let's use these moments to position women as accountable for more than our gender biases often suggest and assign them those ambitious revenue-driving business goals.

Get women in the room where it happens?

Leaders talk often of opening doors for others but it can be difficult to know what those doors are for each person. But we know that being in the Zoom rooms where the debates are happening and where decisions are made goes a long way in developing one's skills, confidence and courage as a business partner. So, look around the table, and speak up for those doing the work and about women colleagues who can further the conversation, lend their incredible expertise, and practice unlocking something about themselves.

Check your ego

Women have been through it, and we can be our own worst enemy as a result. We've been conditioned to believe there are only so many spaces for women at the table. One of patriarchy's greatest tricks is appealing to our egos and encouraging us to turn on each other. No judgment for any woman who has felt that pressure. But for me, appealing primarily to my ego has rarely worked as a long-term strategy.?

Check those biases, even the positive ones

On the other side of the coin, be mindful of typecasting yourself and other women. It can be hard to shake perceptions once they've gotten airtime. Perceptions about women or any marginalized group can be especially hard to shake, even if the perception is positive. You might be fantastic at strategic planning or project management. Your teammate might be a creative powerhouse. But these aren't boxes to be trapped in; tap into that growth mindset for yourself and other women.?

It's a dangerous place to be when you think you have to copy others' format, formula, or style to succeed. Remember: you don't, so write your own playbook as you read and hear what worked for others.

Women's History Month and International Women's Day are moments in time that should be celebrated, but limiting the conversation to those moments in time is a mistake. Amplify messages from women authors, leaders, cultural heroes, and challenge people to pause their doom scrolling. Open doors. Check your own ego. And join the women in your life and workplaces in broadening the conversation.

Here's to celebrating women and those who celebrate and champion them the whole year through.