Despite tremendous progress in the last few years, sexist micro-aggressions are still rampant in the workplace. As an ally to other women, there are specific tactics I use to support them. Drawing from my lived experience, I’ve compiled 10 ways women* can help each other tackle workplace sexism:
1. Amplify each other's voices: Women amplify each other's ideas and contributions during work meetings, giving credit where it is due. For example, when I see a woman colleague being interrupted and talked over, I speak up and say: “It would be great if we could allow [Mariam] to finish was she was saying.”
2. Challenge sexist comments and behaviors: Women can call out sexist comments and behaviors by creating a safe and respectful workplace environment. For example, I was speaking with two other women colleagues in my cubicle. Another colleague passed by and said that we should stop gossiping. I pointed out that we were discussing possible solutions for a work-related matter and that assumption that we were gossiping is judgmental.
3. Mentor and sponsor other women: Women can mentor and sponsor other women, providing guidance, support, and opportunities for advancement. Even if I was not in a leadership position, I volunteered to mentor and guide my peers. For example, when a new member joined my team, I reached out to show them the ropes and kept an open channel of communication if they needed any help.
4. Form support groups: Women can create support groups to share experiences, offer advice and encouragement, and provide a sense of community and solidarity. For example, I set up a #LeanIn circle and other less formal support groups.
5. Share resources and opportunities: Women can share job openings, networking events, and training opportunities with each other, increasing access and opportunities for professional growth. For example, knowing that word of mouth is a powerful tool, I endorse women and recommend their services while I network.
6. Call out stereotypes: Women can challenge preconceived notions. For example: while working in IT, I was repeatedly and relentlessly told that women were not “technical” enough and that they were better at the business side of things. After proving for a year that I was able to handle “technical” things, I was finally allowed to take up a specific opportunity. I completed that project and received brilliant reviews. I came back and shared with my female colleagues that they shouldn’t let the term “technical” scare them because there isn’t much to it. In the end, technical just meant knowing how to troubleshoot certain IT tools that we used every day.
7. Promote work-life balance: Women can advocate for policies that promote work-life balance, such as flexible schedules, remote work, and parental leave. For example, I am a big advocate of increasing paid parental leave, regardless of the gender of the parent.
8. Speak up about sexual harassment: Women can speak up about sexual harassment and support others who do the same, helping to create a culture of zero tolerance. For example, I gave presentations on healthy boundaries and consent. I call out victim blaming whenever I witness it.
9. Support diversity and inclusion: Women can support and advocate for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, recognizing the value of different perspectives and experiences. For example, when I called out a colleague’s biased remarks about a person’s gender identity.
10. Collaborate: Women can collaborate and celebrate each other's achievements, creating a culture of teamwork and positivity. For example, I collaborated with a colleague to raise awareness of neurodivergence, which is a topic close to both our hearts. Another example: I became a trained #IamRemarkable workshop facilitator teaching self-promotion to women and marginalized people.
*Although I’ve used the term women, all the points above can also apply to marginalized people.
Seeking an experienced writer who can craft compelling content? I translate your vision into impactful words. Let’s work together! About Paloma.
Comments ()