By: Eliza Wagman
Here’s the deal: women in the workplace aren’t going anywhere, and they’re getting fed up with the unfair treatment and sexist environments they have to deal with, still, in 2018. 42% of women report experiencing workplace discrimination, and much of it beyond that goes unreported. A lot of the mistreatment are things we can notice: sexual harassment, disparaging comments, pay differences, and so on. However, a great deal of it is low-profile discrimination. The stuff that, unless combated, will go largely un-talked about and unchanged. It’s being passed up on a promotion in favor of a man for a slew of weak reasons. It’s being invited to speak at meetings less. It’s everybody’s assumption that if a woman is talking to a man, he’s her superior.
Women are slighted in the workplace, always being subliminally coded as less competent, less determined, less capable of leadership. And it’s up to all of us – including you, men – to constantly create opportunities for women to prove that these notions are sexist, unfounded, and wrong.
Without further ado, here are 5 simple, subtle ways you (as a man) can uplift your women colleagues and promote workplace gender equality:
- Pick women to run meetings. If you are picked to run a meeting or make a presentation, recommend a woman with expertise on the topic.
- Never, ever let a company decision be made without a woman in the room. Preferably, several women. Ideally, as many women as men!
- Listen to women’s ideas, ask for them, and credit them for their input. Women are often overshadowed by men repeating what they’ve already said. But, you know, with a man voice.
- Encourage women to take leadership positions. And don’t call a woman “bossy” for leading. Consider if she’s doing anything a strong, determined, MAN wouldn’t do.
- Demand policies to protect women in your workplace, i.e. maternity leave, sensitivity to childcare responsibilities, understanding of women’s health issues, etc.
These steps (among many others) will help to slowly counteract the toxic, misogynist environments that women are often subject to in their workplaces. Always be mindful of your women colleagues and their safety, comfort, and encouragement. Demand workplace equality.
At Planned Parenthood, we champion gender equality, women’s rights, and workplace gender diversity. Learn more at http://www.myplannedparenthood.org.
Sources:
https://www.mckinsey.com/global-themes/gender-equality/women-in-the-workplace-2017
https://www.trainingjournal.com/articles/feature/how-women-learn-lead [IMAGE]
https://broadly.vice.com/en_us/article/bj5ex8/how-to-help-gender-equality-international-womens-day?utm_source=broadlyfbus
