7 Ways to Celebrate, Support & Empower Women
The 8th March is always an important date in my calendar, as it marks International Women's Day (IWD).
Having worked in IT and Construction Project Management, which are both male-dominated industries, I've experienced gender bias and stereotypes first-hand. And as a working mama and breadwinner, in a society that doesn't typically praise non-traditional roles, the perceived judgement and opinions from others can be debilitating at times. I've often been consumed by guilt, feeling that I've let my daughter, husband, employer, or myself, down and that I’m not good enough or taken seriously in either of those roles.
If we have careers, we're made to feel that we're not good enough as a mother. Or when we do put our families first (as we rightly should), we're told we're not a 'team player' or prioritising our work, and this often leads to being overlooked when it comes to promotions. On the other side of the coin, if we're a stay-at-home mum, we're made to feel like we're lazy or that we're not contributing (respect to all the full-time mama's - that's a relentless, and often under-appreciated job right there!).
As women, we tend to put everyone else first and we're expected to juggle it all. I've experienced overwhelm, burnout and imposter syndrome many times throughout my life, and that's with a supportive and compassionate husband by my side, who shares work, domestic duties and childcare with me equally. But although the gender gap is starting to close, household by household - there is still a lot of ground to cover when it comes to the expectations placed on women in wider society.
And these are just some of the issues that affect women on a daily basis.
Domestic and sexual violence and abuse is a major health and welfare issue for women, which has intensified during the pandemic, and concern for safety and risk of violence has always been at the forefront of our minds when out in public. Access to education, technology and hygiene products (i.e. for menstruation) are also huge issues for women and girls in the world's poorest and most disadvantaged areas.
That's why I'm passionate about questioning stereotypes, calling out gender bias, challenging inequality and forging an inclusive world for all women. And International Women's Day (IWD) is a fantastic platform to do just that.
IWD celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women whilst at the same time marks a call to action, accelerating gender parity.
As a Mindset Coach, I’m a huge advocate for supporting and celebrating women. My mission is to help incredible women embrace who they are, figure out what truly matters to them and to make it an active reality in their life. Facilitating change and growth to help women succeed and thrive is what gets me up in the morning.
And this got me thinking about the real, concrete ways we can all support and empower each other. To keep challenging gender narratives, to give something back and to secure a brighter future for our daughters. For MY daughters.
Here are seven ways we can all make a big difference and help other women and girls feel valued:
1. Celebrate the women in your life
Do you have any women in your life that are smashing goals and achieving success, in whatever form that might be? Celebrate them! Let them know how proud and inspired you are by their success and accomplishments, or their admirable character traits. Give compliments. Show the women in your life how much you appreciate them by sending them a thank you card or gift, or simply tell them how much they mean to you. Hugs work well too!
Or post a photo on social media of a woman you admire and look up to; tell everyone why this woman is so incredible. Write a note of thanks to that teacher who encouraged you years ago or a female colleague that just kicks ASS. Ntozake Shange said it best, ‘’Where there is a woman, there is magic.’’
2. Support women-owned businesses
Explore local women-owned businesses in your community and on social media. There are lots of amazing, female entrepreneurs out there with impressive businesses and side hustles, offering incredible and innovative products and services. Consider investing, donating, or doing some shopping with them! I don’t know about you, but in most instances, I’d rather give my money to a small-business owner trying to make an honest living to support their family, than a large corporation trying to turn a profit.
Join Facebook groups and pages and follow business accounts on Instagram, based on your interests. Interact, build each other up and show your support by promoting your favourite products and services, or leave a positive review. Word of mouth is powerful.
3. Help a new mum
In Finland, the government have been providing a free ‘baby box’ to all new parents since 1938. The boxes typically include a starter kit of clothes, sheets, mattress, bathing products, toys and nappies and the box it comes in can even be used as a cot (my husband and I loved this idea so much, we actually purchased a ‘Finnish’ style box for our daughter; she slept comfortably in the ‘box’ until she outgrew it at 6 months). Why not put together an essentials box for a new mum? It can be a life saver, especially if they are struggling financially. Check out organisations that help distribute ‘essential’ boxes locally and globally, to mums that really need them.
Know a mum near you that might be feeling overwhelmed? Encourage a mum to recharge by giving her some time to take care of herself. Sort out the growing pile of washing while she takes a shower or has a nap, clean the kitchen while she sits down with a cup of tea (or wine), or provide babysitting services so she can take some time to go out. Or how about picking up some coffee and giving some time to the new mum in your office who is struggling to balance it all? Not only does it empower mum, but also her children too, not to mention she will be a better mum, wife, friend, and colleague!
4. Give something back
There are many worthy causes, both globally and in your local community that you could donate your time and/or money to. Reach out to programs, organisations or shelters that support women living in poverty, providing access to housing, education, food, clean water, and healthcare.
Or contribute to supporting and protecting women and girls from domestic violence, abuse, child labour, trafficking, or child marriage. There are lots of crisis centres and shelters looking for volunteers and funding.
Fancy being a role model and influencing the next generation of girls? Volunteer as a tutor or mentor at a local school. Want to focus a little closer to home? Inspire a friend, sister, or daughter. Simple, small gestures can make a BIG difference.
5. Be a cheerleader
As Serena Williams once said, ‘’Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.’’ Encourage the women around you and make them feel special and strong. Acknowledge their success; they don’t need your approval or validation, but they do need your support and encouragement.
Encourage your friends and daughters to speak up and make sure they know the value of their opinions so that they are never scared to use their voice. Encourage them to ask for what they deserve, whether that be respect, time or a raise. If you have a daughter, celebrate her self-expression and encourage her to be her authentic self. Encourage her to assert her unique personality and support her interests and goals wholeheartedly, whatever they may be. Be a cheerleader.
6. Shut down negativity and boost self-esteem
Women are constantly exposed to negativity, often being held to unrealistic standards and perceptions of beauty and what it is to ‘be a lady’. We’re either too fat, or too skinny, too loud or too passive. We’re labelled a bitch or bossy if we’re too assertive. We’re constantly criticised no matter what we do. So, let’s take a stance against negativity. Shut down negative comments online, at the office, in school, wherever you go.
Be an advocate for your female colleagues and friends; if you see them experiencing unfair treatment or injustice, speak up. Cancel out negativity by doing something positive. Lift women up by promoting body positivity, intelligence, and authenticity. Celebrate difference. Give credit where credit is due and acknowledge achievement and success. Empower women with kindness and understanding.
7. Learn from other women
Women like Emmeline Pankhurst, Rosa Parks, Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, and Kamala Harris, among many others, have played an important role in giving other women a voice. These role models provide us with inspiration and empowerment and due to them speaking out and sharing their experiences and struggles, real changes have been made. The world has been transformed by these trailblazing women.
While it’s important to share our stories, lead by example and ensure we’re good role models for future generations, it’s just as important to listen to other women’s stories, experiences and struggles and to LEARN from them.