Women Don’t Have to Own Inequality

There has been significant media coverage of women in the workplace,
especially as Women’s History Month comes to a close. We are so often
hearing stories about our sisters not being treated equally, or not being
recognized for their outstanding work. It can be draining to be inundated
with everything that is wrong with society and feeling at a loss for how to
correct things that are bigger than just us. However, we have to take a
stand against constant negative images we are shown about how women
fare in their careers.

It’s easy to be influenced by the bad press the workplace gets surrounding
women. Women don’t make as much money as men, especially if they are
women of color; they are overlooked; they are objectified in the office; etc.
Don’t get me wrong, all of these things tend to be true, and it is important
that we change them. However, we must also take care not to internalize
these messages. If we as women, go into a work situation and expect to be
marginalized, overlooked, and underpaid, we are creating and manifesting a
self-fulfilling prophecy. If you act as though the cards are stacked against
you, they almost certainly will be. The goal is not to erase the experiences of
women in the workplace, but to rise above them and not get stuck in one
place.

Instead, you must act as though you will always be treated as well as men.
You will not be overlooked because you will make yourself visible. You will be
considered competent, because you are. Your mindset affects how you
present yourself, and often, if you are feeling at a disadvantage, the persona
you present will match that, even if it isn’t true to who you are. If you apply
the mentality of “women struggle to be successful in the workplace” to
yourself, then you are writing your own outcome. Words and thoughts are
powerful. You can acknowledge the problems and the struggle without
dwelling on them.

So today, when a coworker presents your idea as their own, take credit for
your work. If you feel underappreciated and overlooked, find a way to let
your superiors know how important your contributions are (yes, you must
self-promote). Ask for the raise you’ve been wanting. Improvements for
women in the workplace start with each of us owning our greatness,
wherever we are. Don’t forget where we’ve all been, but move forward
unencumbered into the full potential that you have inside of you.