Women’s Equality Day: How Women can Help Other Women Achieve It?

Women’s Equality Day is celebrated on August 26 in the United States every year. The day commemorates every woman’s right to vote. It is an observance of the struggle women had to go through for their participation and in order to achieve equality in every sphere of life and society. Though women are now being treated in equal measure to their male counterparts, they still continue to face gender discrimination at their workplace. This impacts every woman’s economic power. Thus, the struggle to achieve equal rights is going to be a persistent one.

We often hear that we can achieve gender equality when men support women and treat them fairly in every sphere. While that is true, it’s important for women to support women too. It’s time to let go of the age-old myth that women don’t support each other and are usually rivals at work. Celebrating and advocating female friends and co-workers isn’t something that should be restricted to a single day or event. It should be done every day and that’s when we will notice a visible difference in the overall scenario.

How Women can help other Women Achieve Gender Equality at Work?

• Speak up and make sure women’s ideas are heard

At work, whenever there are group discussions, you usually see men occupying the front and middle seats. Owing to feelings of inadequacy, women usually position themselves towards the end of the table. They even get very little time to speak and are interrupted by both men and other women. Well, whenever you’re in a meeting, be open about your appreciation for another woman and her contribution towards a particular project. If a woman is interrupted by a male co-worker, interject and say you’d like her to finish. As a woman, advocate the talented women around you. When you do so, they too will feel recognised and empowered. The whole point we’re trying to make here is that a woman’s voice should be heard.

• Mentor other women

Mentorship is one of the key drivers of success. Unfortunately, women at work miss out. Men usually mentor other men because they have shared interests. Even if there is a kind of sponsorship at work, men tend to grab the opportunity and women are left behind. Owing to these disparities, fewer women end up getting leadership roles at work. As a woman, if you genuinely want to show appreciation for other women at work, you must commit the time and energy to mentor them. When a woman is starting her career, she might need the right guidance. If you’re a senior at work, offer to guide and help them. Just by letting another woman know you’re there for them, can make all the difference.

• Always have another woman’s back

As a woman, it’s always better to stay away from workplace politics. Don’t gossip or badmouth other women as this will only make you look bad. During a group lunch or office get together if you hear people talking negatively about another woman, don’t participate. They might say anything regarding that particular person’s character or her performance at work. Refrain from contributing even if you strongly feel anything against the person being discussed. Alternatively, if something nasty is being said, you can counter argue by highlighting some positive points.

• Celebrate Women’s Accomplishments

Look for opportunities to celebrate a female co-worker’s accomplishments. When a woman succeeds at work, the people around usually say “she got lucky”. However, a man’s success is attributed to his skills and qualities. Their successes are always celebrated. Owing to this a woman’s contribution often goes unnoticed. As a woman, what you could do is bring together a group of women at work and celebrate this one woman’s achievements. Highlighting another woman’s credentials and accomplishments can give everyone at the workplace an overall boost. It promotes equality and lets the men know that as women you all stand by each other.

• Don’t put other women down

Anytime in your office, if you hear someone using gender bias to put another co-worker or manager down, pull them up. Confront them and ask them if they would say the same thing about their male colleagues. Objectifying women and name calling isn’t a nice thing to do. Also, if there comes a time if you have a misunderstanding with a female employee, take up the matter directly with them rather than letting the entire office know. At no cost bring another woman down or question her credibility.

• Pave the way for other women

Another way by which you can empower and support women at work is by creating opportunities for them. Incorporate policies which will give them more control over their schedules, career and responsibilities. A woman wears many hats and usually has to juggle several roles. If you’re a senior at work, strive to create equality by promoting certain policies including equal pay, transparency in job opportunities given to both men and women, and a culture of respect and equity. Never assume another woman may not want to take up a new project because she already has a lot on her plate. Instead, ask her so that she can determine what’s right for her and what’s not. For women to learn and grow at work, it’s important that they’re given the right feedback. Thus, wherever possible, speak up, provide suggestions and coaching.

The aim of gender equality at the workplace is to provide equal opportunities and outcomes for both men and women. It’s high time women should be powerful allies for other women at work. Supporting and uplifting other women instead of bringing them down can result in a healthier workplace for all.