Fearless in 5: How to Embrace Equity for International Women's Day

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5CZIuDY_F0k

A key theme for International Women’s Day on March 8th is embracing equity. Wear your favorite purple outfit (if you own one!) and share pics of you and your team recognizing your organization's celebration. Need some inspo? Here’s how you can be Fearless in 5:

1. Nix the non-promotable work: Make sure everyone is pitching in to plan company parties and celebrations, clean up the conference room, and take and share the notes afterward from the meeting. Women don’t need to be the first to volunteer for these kinds of activities--they won’t set you up to be seen as a leader or get that (much deserved) promotion. Encourage colleagues of all genders, ages, and identities to join in!

2. Hear all voices. Women are interrupted three times more than men. If you are frequently interrupted, it’s time to advocate for yourself and say "Hey Josh, hold that thought I’m not done just yet. I’ll turn it over to you as soon as I wrap up." If you’re an ally and you see this in action, stop Josh, and say "Hey, let’s let Yuko finish her thought." And if you’re a manager, make sure that you’re approaching these serial offenders

3. Use inclusive language. Stop saying terms like "hey guys;" "We have a Bromance;" and "Let’s go girls." Don’t call women "bossy," "crazy" or use the B word. And for all the women out there, let’s stop calling ourselves "boss babes," and "girl boss." You’re just a boss (and I bet you are an awesome one with all that emotional intelligence you have!).

4. Value talent based on talent. Research shows men are considered for promotions based on their potential and women based on their proven experience for what is needed in the role. Let’s make this a level playing field. Evaluate everyone on both their relevant skills and potential. If you’re a woman, proactively address both demonstrated performance and potential with the hiring manager for the role you are seeking.

5. Be an ally. Learn about the experiences of others, and how and where they may want your help. When you see a colleague demonstrate bad behavior, pull them aside and let them know it's not OK. While we all should serve as allies to create equitable environments--men can stand up as allies for their female colleagues, and women need to be stronger allies for other underrepresented communities, including our black and brown 'sisters,' the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities, and veterans.

If you need outside expertise to plan a memorable International Women's Day event or for Employee Resource Group programming, Wet Cement is here to help with keynotes, workshops, coaching and advisory services to help deliver the most meaningful and impactful event ever. Contact us to find out more.