#BreakTheBias on International Women's Day
It’s that time of year again. Happy International Women’s Day! Being a woman shapes our experiences in business and life. There are hidden rules our gender has to navigate, and more often than not, our actions are aimed to please others rather than focusing on what pleases us. We fear coming off as too aggressive or too bold.
We must shake off people’s preconceptions and live for our truths. As women, we bring a unique perspective that is often underutilized. It’s time to bring these differences to the table and use them to our advantage. #BreakTheBias
It’s Okay to Say No
It can be hard to say no or establish boundaries, and often we have to do more to prove ourselves than we would have to as men. Encourage the women around you to ask for help when needed. Remember to take wellness breaks, meditate, or take some extra time to spend with your family.
Know your breaking point. If you are trying to do it all, know when too much is really too much. Many women often feel that they aren’t doing enough personally and professionally. As a working mom, I know I have been there before. Make sure to communicate with your family and let them know what you need to stay grounded.
Women Supporting Women
Having friends makes your time at work so much more enjoyable. It can make stressful days easier, especially during tax season. But to thrive at work, you need a supportive network. You are who you surround yourself with, so choose to surround yourself with people who can give you advice and help you through problems when needed.
Cultivate a tribe of women from various backgrounds, industries, experiences, and build friendship and business relationships. Having these relationships can significantly increase life satisfaction and happiness. As friends and coworkers, these extraordinary women can help you achieve insight and perspective when experiencing negativity and self-doubt.
A More Inclusive Workplace
When you look around your workplace, online or in-person, what do you see? Are women and people of color (POC) equally represented? Are they equally represented in the company’s leadership, strategy, or vision? If not, is there a way to rectify this? If you are unsure of how inclusive your company is, you can reference AICPA’s Accounting Inclusion Maturity Model to identify areas of improvement.
International Women’s Day is a day to reflect on not only how far we have to go, but also how far we’ve come. Let’s continue to work together to forge a more equal world for women and girls.