It’s no secret: the workplace is often plagued with gender inequalities. These can pop up in many facets that range from men earning more than women, to organisational cultures preferring men when it comes to top tier positions. Diversity and inclusion challenges pop up in many facets and while you might not be in the workplace yet, one day you will be.
You see gender inequalities in more women reporting incidents of sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and victimisation. You see it in the dismally fewer females in various science and technology fields. We could go on, but we’re probably preaching to the converted. So let’s get to how the playing fields can be levelled. Read if you dare – and are ready to contribute to constructive change within your lifetime.
Challenge the status quo
Correcting ills and championing equality in the workplace is not about giving women special treatment, but harbouring an environment that is inducive for both men and women. It is about removing barriers that stand in the way.
Think like a woman
The notion of exclusively promoting black power suits and having a “masculine” corporate setting is the norm, yet it can set women on the backfoot. Workplaces need to acknowledge femininity. Just because you’re rocking a polka dot dress or pink fitted top, does not take away from your brainpower or abilities to lead as a sister-boss in the making. By enhancing the typical “corporate” white sterile walls and infusing a touch of femininity into the dress-code, women may feel more at ease to release their feminine, creative abilities in the workplace.
Sharpen your representation
Look for companies that are willing to relook their organisational cultures so that women can be represented across the board, especially with mentorship. Having women see themselves in their mentors can make a big difference. You need to have strong role models that are both male and female.
Change the game
Corporates are often run by like-minded thinkers. As a young-minded teen hoping to get a stepping stone in the workplace, you can standout by being true to yourself. Don’t be afraid to add that design element to your CV. Show and tell by listing your community volunteering work – to portray that you are the type of gamechanger who makes things happen, with or without the recognition. If you have experience as an entrepreneur (or supporting women in entrepreneurial spaces) then you should add that to your profile.
Now is the time to level the playing fields to celebrate our own African women who are making strides forward. It cannot be a job for one person or something that we leave for people “out there”. We should all do our bit. It starts with acknowledging our uniqueness and upholding the core of “Ubuntu” (humanity) that holds that there is an invaluable place for all of us under the sun.
