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6 Simple Steps You Can Take to Further Gender Equality at Work
The Oxford Dictionary defines gender equality as “the state in which access to rights or opportunities is unaffected by gender.” That’s it. Therefore, supporting gender equality does not require a man-hating, angry, aggressive female persona. All it means is that you think women should be treated equally to men – and yes, that means regardless of your wardrobe choices or personality.
If you think that we don’t need to continue to push and fight for gender equality because women are treated equally to men, think again. While it is true that women’s rights in the United States have greatly improved over the last few decades, we are still not there yet. According to the White House, women still earn 79 cents for every dollar a man does. The gap is even wider for African-American and Latina Women in the United States.
In other places in the world, it is far worse. According to an article in USA Today called “The 10 Worst Countries for Women,” Pakistan’s female-to-male income ratio is .18, and the literacy rate is 67% for men, while only 42% for women. Globally, we have a long way to go.
There are a few simple things that each of us can do to further equality in our country and our companies.
- Help each other. You have experiences from which others can benefit, and vice versa. Make sure you support — and not tear down — other women. We are all in this journey together and helping others will make all of us (women and men) more successful and happy.
- Stand up and say something when you see an equality issue. This is especially true for managers and leaders in an organization. Don’t just go along or be compliant. If you see someone being treated unfairly, do something about it.
- Know what you are worth, and negotiate. With sites such as Glassdoor available, you can do a little research to find out what others in your market and industry are paid. If you think you are clearly underpaid, ask for a raise. Will you always get it? No, but making your manager aware that you are under-compensated compared to the market can make a difference during the next pay raise cycle. If you don’t get it then, ask again — or look for another company that values equality.
- Earn a raise or a promotion. Don’t be afraid to ask for that extra assignment or to represent your team on a new project. Not only do you earn brownie points with your manager but you get a bigger network, which is always a good thing!
- Get educated. Understand what the qualifications are of that job you want, and then go get as many of those qualifications as possible. Also, you don’t always have to have every skill listed to apply for (and get!) a position, so don’t be afraid to apply. Go for it!
- Be yourself. I have had female leaders tell me that they felt they had to dress like a man and take up golfing to fit in. The best companies are the ones where diversity and inclusion flourish: where the ideas of many come forth and “groupthink” is avoided. So don’t mold yourself to fit in, physically or emotionally. I personally like wearing high heels and bright colors because they make me feel happy and powerful. I also am going to be my driven-yet-funny (in my opinion) self as a team member and manager. Honestly, it is too much work to try to be someone you aren’t.
Each of us can make progress towards a future where equality isn’t just something for which we strive, but is the reality of our world. Until that day, I hope you join me as a proud supporter and promoter of gender equality!
