Rising Together: Why women supporting women matters
As March 8 approaches, we prepare to honor International Women’s Day (IWD) – a day of reflection, celebration, and action. This year, the theme resonates deeply: “Inspire Inclusion.” It beckons us to consider the importance of women supporting women, and why it matters.
In the traditional paradigm, women were taught to compete not only against men but also against each other, given the scarcity of opportunities. This lack of support persists today, evident in corporate settings and everyday activities.
Experiencing this first hand, I founded Gal Pal to empower women to uplift one another in any situation. Together, we’re stronger and capable of achieving anything.
Why Women Should Rally Around Each Other
Despite the strides we’ve made, the journey towards gender equality remains fraught with challenges. One such challenge is the unfortunate reality that some women in positions of power perpetuate hostility towards their female counterparts. It’s disheartening to witness, for it contradicts the very essence of solidarity and sisterhood.
I have experienced this first hand many times. One of my close friends disclosed her latest “mean girl” work moment with her new boss. It’s made work miserable. It just doesn’t have to be that way.
Hey, it’s hard enough being a women. The last thing we need is to have another women make our life miserable because she is being competitive. It’s just wrong.
We Need To Empower Each Other
As I step onto my soapbox, I have to speak my mind! Girlfriends, we need to stop tearing eachother down and start to empower each other.
Envision yourself working hard and navigating your way up the corporate ladder. You’re dodging office drama and politics that feels like navigating through a minefield, where one wrong step could set off a chain reaction of gossip, tension, and conflict. We have all been there in one form or another.
But here’s the twist – as you ascend, you are not just grabbing for those rungs yourself; you’re extending a hand to your fellow boss babes and pulling them up with you. Wouldn’t that be great if that was the standard? Well, it’s not.
Because let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than reaching the top of that ladder only to find it’s a lonely perch. We’ve all seen those women who scale it with a fierce determination but somehow forget to toss a rope down for the rest of us.
Heck, some of them even seem to think it’s a competition to see who can step on the hands and toes of others with pointed stilettos. Ouch!
Now, I don’t know about you, but I’ve had my fair share of close encounters with those heel-kickers. It’s like trying to navigate a minefield in stilettos, am I right?
But here’s the silver lining: we’re in this together, ladies. And if we band together and support each other on this crazy climb, who knows what kind of heights we can reach? So, let’s swap those stilettos for some sensible climbing boots and embark on this adventure together. Who’s with me?
So, if you are surrounded by driven women who are giving their all to succeed and you have the power to support them, seize the opportunity. You’re the kind of woman who lifts others up, and that makes all the difference.
Why Women Don’t Support Other Women
Women not supporting other women can stem from various factors, including insecurity. In a competitive environment where opportunities may seem scarce, some women may feel threatened by the success of their female peers, leading to a reluctance to offer support or encouragement.
Additionally, societal norms and expectations may perpetuate the idea that women should compete rather than collaborate, further hindering solidarity. Overcoming these barriers requires fostering a culture of empowerment and recognizing that supporting one another strengthens the collective success of all women.
Let’s address a reality: while some women in positions of power actively support and uplift others, there are also those who unfortunately perpetuate a toxic cycle by tearing down their female counterparts.
The Potential Positive Impact
Just imagine the potential impact if every woman embraced a mindset of support and celebration for her fellow women. When we lift each other up, recognizing and celebrating the achievements of those around us, we create a powerful network of empowerment and solidarity.
It’s essential that we all cultivate this spirit of support and learn to champion one another, for together, we can achieve remarkable things.
Support and Solidarity: Inclusion involves creating networks of support and solidarity among women, where they can uplift and empower each other. This includes fostering mentorship, allyship, and collaboration among women from diverse backgrounds.
On International Women’s Day, and every day, women can take various actions to uplift and support each other. Here are some ideas:
How To Support Other Women
1. Mentorship:
Offer mentorship to other women, whether in your workplace, community, or industry. Share your knowledge, expertise, and experiences to help them navigate challenges and achieve their goals.
2. Amplify Voices:
Use your platform and influence to amplify the voices of women from diverse backgrounds. Share their stories, achievements, and perspectives to ensure they are heard and recognized.
3. Networking:
Connect women with opportunities for networking, collaboration, and advancement. Introduce them to relevant contacts, events, and resources that can help them grow personally and professionally.
4. Advocacy:
Advocate for policies and initiatives that promote gender equality and women’s rights. Support organizations and campaigns focused on addressing issues such as pay equity, reproductive rights, and gender-based violence.
5. Financial Support:
Invest in women-owned businesses, projects, and initiatives. Provide financial support through funding, grants, or donations to help women entrepreneurs and leaders thrive.
6. Emotional Support:
Be a source of encouragement, empathy, and solidarity for other women. Get behind women who are goal oriented. Offer a listening ear, emotional support, and practical advice during times of difficulty or uncertainty.
7. Education and Empowerment:
Take part in educational programs, workshops, and events focused on empowering women and girls. Share resources and information that can help them build skills, confidence, and resilience.
8. Challenge Stereotypes:
Challenge gender stereotypes and biases in your personal and professional interactions. Encourage others to rethink harmful stereotypes and embrace diversity and inclusion.
9. Self-Care and Wellness:
Prioritize self-care and wellness to ensure you have the energy and resilience to support others effectively. Take time to recharge, set boundaries, and practice self-compassion.
10. Celebrate Achievements:
Celebrate the achievements and successes of other women. Acknowledge their accomplishments, no matter how big or small, and celebrate their contributions to society.
By taking these actions, women can contribute to building a more inclusive, equitable, and supportive world for all. International Women’s Day serves as a reminder of the importance of solidarity and collective action in advancing gender equality.
Inclusion lies at the heart of International Women’s Day. It’s a reminder that everyone has a role to play in the fight for gender equality. Your participation, your voice, your advocacy – they all matter. Let’s seize the opportunity presented by IWD 2024 to reaffirm our commitment to women’s empowerment and inclusion.
So, as we commemorate over a century of IWD, let’s pledge to be agents of change. Let’s challenge the status quo, dismantle stereotypes, and create a world where diversity is celebrated and difference is embraced. Together, let’s inspire inclusion and forge a future where all women can thrive.
As we embark on this journey, remember: International Women’s Day belongs to everyone, everywhere. Your involvement, no matter how big or small, is what makes this day truly impactful. Let’s make IWD 2024 a day of unity, solidarity, and action. Together, we can #InspireInclusion and build a brighter, more equitable future for all.
The History Of Women’s Day
The history of International Women’s Day dates back to March 19, 1911, when it was first celebrated in the United States and several European countries. However, it was officially recognized by the United Nations on March 8, 1975.
The origins of this significant day trace back to the 1908 labor movement, where women garment workers took to the streets of New York to demand better pay, shorter working hours, and voting rights. Spearheaded by the Socialist Party of America, this movement laid the groundwork for the annual commemoration of women’s rights and achievements.
The Significance Of International Women’s Day
International Women’s Day holds immense significance as it honors the cultural, political, social, and economic contributions of women worldwide. It serves as a platform to inspire action towards eradicating gender biases and discrimination, fostering inclusivity, and striving for gender equality.
We must confront this issue head-on. It’s not enough to merely acknowledge the importance of women supporting other women. We must actively embody it in our actions and attitudes. Imagine the transformative power of a world where women uplift and empower each other, where success is not a zero-sum game, but a collective triumph.
Solidarity For All Women
Gloria Steinem aptly noted that the struggle for equality belongs to all who champion human rights. This sentiment encapsulates the essence of IWD – it transcends borders, ideologies, and affiliations. It’s a day of global solidarity, a testament to the collective efforts of individuals committed to forging a more just and equitable world.
Every action taken in support of women’s rights is a step towards progress. Whether it’s celebrating women’s achievements, raising awareness about discrimination, or advocating for gender parity, each contribution is valuable. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to activism; every effort, no matter how small, contributes to the greater cause.
