What does empowering women actually look like—especially for fellow women?
If you’re looking for more reasons to CELEBRATE HER this International Women’s Day and beyond, here are 5 concrete ways you can empower other women—and thus yourself.
The Gender Gap
There’s no doubt we’ve come a long way when it comes to gender equality, yet there’s still much work to be done. For example, women hold CEO positions of roughly 8 percent of Fortune 500 companies.
Meanwhile, the gender pay gap persists, with the worst falling on the shoulders of women of color. And to make matters worse, 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual assault.
The good news is, there’s power in collective action. More than ever, women are seeking connections with other women. While women are a powerful force alone, we’re realizing there’s power in numbers. Here’s what you can do right now to empower the women in your network.
Related: How to Celebrate Women This International Women’s Day
#1: Uplift the Voices of Women in the Workplace
Just because you identify as a woman doesn’t exclude you from prejudice and bias. In fact, a recent study suggests women are meaner to one another than men are to women. Coined the “Queen Bee Syndrome”— the phenomenon of powerful women being disliked— is very real.
If you fall into this trap, the best advice is to recognize the unconscious biases that you may possess against other women based on their race, age, sexual orientation, gender expression, physical abilities, body type and socioeconomic background.
Check your own biases at the door and instead, uplift the voices of women (especially women of color) who are facing additional biases in the workplace. These unconcious biases are what oftentimes lead to systemic racism and discrimination.
But these issues can’t be properly addressed without first checking your own beliefs. So, if and when you notice a lack of inclusivity and diversity at your workplace, encourage an open discussion of biases.
#2: Invest in Women-Run Businesses
Not sure about you, but for the past few years, I’ve made it a priority to support female entrepreneurs. From hairdressers to gynecologists and small business owners, I’ve rounded up my top list of female-owned and operated businesses to support.
After all, women fall short when it comes to business endeavors. In fact, research suggests male business owners are twice as likely to raise $100,000 or more in capital when compared to their female counterparts.
So, if you’re looking for a great way to invest in other women, go out of your way to support businesses owned and operated by women. Invest your time and money in competent, capable women who want to make an impact and a difference in this world.
#3: Remind Your Female Friend That “Just Because I Want to” Is Enough
Studies suggest women tend to be people-pleasers. Because of this predetermined mentality, it’s even more important for women to understand that they’re allowed to do things for no other reason than “I want to.” But the good news is, people-pleasing is a learned behavior that can be unlearned—especially with your help.
Women shouldn’t feel like they have to give an explanation for their actions. When you hear your female friends start to do this, gently remind them that “just because you want to” is reason enough—no justification necessary.
When we, as women, actively give ourselves permission, it reinforces our ability to act on our own best interests. But sometimes we need that gentle nudge from a friend to understand that we’re allowed to do the things we want without explanation.
#4: Stop Shaming Other Women
Ever been subjected to overt shaming? Working mom? Stay-at-home mom? Epidural? C-section? It seems whatever you choose isn’t the right choice.
And it’s not just all about mothers. There’s slut shaming, fat shaming, skinny shaming…the list goes on and one. The bottom line: Stop shaming other women! Dimming someone else’s light doesn’t make yours shine brighter, so STOP.
When you hear overt shaming, take a stand. Getting beyond shame means acknowledging it and sharing your experiences with others. By acknowledging shame, you refuse to let it fester or define you.
The worst thing you can do is bury it. If you do this, it’ll forever stay the subject of your story. But by owning the story, you get to narrate how it ends.
#5: Celebrate Her
While it’s gotten better, women are still under some pretty heavy pressure to adhere to totally impossible beauty (and behavior) standards. That’s why it’s important to remind her what a damn good job she’s doing. Starting today, tell the women in your life how much you love and care for them.
When your friend writes a book, buy it. When one starts a podcast, share it. When she teaches a yoga class, attend. Behind every successful woman is a tribe of other women who have her back. Be that woman!
Related: Top 5 Ways to Get Fit This International Women’s Day
Takeaway
Ready to encourage and empower the women in your life? You can make a huge difference in your own home, workplace and community.
Write a thank you note to that college professor who encouraged you years ago, grab a coffee for the new mother in your office who’s struggling to manage it all or tell your own sister just how much she means to you. Show up, pitch in and mean it—that’s empowerment!
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