Addressing Inequities on International Women's Day: A Call to Action

Every year, as I read the posts on LinkedIn, and various other platforms on International Women's Day, it serves as a poignant reminder of the perceived progress made towards gender equality and highlights the challenges that still lie ahead. In America, despite significant strides in women's rights, there remains a multitude of inequities that continue to plague women across various walks of life. As we mark this day, it's crucial to shine a light on these injustices and advocate for meaningful change.

While I could go on about personal rights and similar topics, I am mostly going to address the work landscape in this post.

One of the most glaring inequities facing women in America is the persistent gender pay gap. Despite equal pay laws, women, on average, earn around 82 cents for every dollar earned by men. This gap is even wider for women of color, with Black and Latina women earning substantially less. Closing this gap isn't just a matter of fairness; it's essential for economic stability and prosperity for women and their families.

Moreover, women are disproportionately affected by workplace discrimination and harassment. The #MeToo movement shed light on the pervasive nature of sexual misconduct in various industries, yet many women still face retaliation and disbelief when they speak out. Strengthening laws and enforcement mechanisms to hold perpetrators accountable and create safer work environments is imperative.

In addition to the systemic inequities faced by women in America, there exists a pervasive societal stereotype that often penalizes women for assertiveness. When women stand up for themselves, assert their rights, or advocate for change, they are often perceived as aggressive or unlikeable. This double standard not only undermines women's confidence but also perpetuates a culture of silence and compliance. I have been labeled in this manner throughout my career, even at one point, having to extricate myself from a financially lucrative situation to save my mental health, all with no support from my "leaders". 

Women in America also continue to face barriers to political representation. While progress has been made in increasing the number of women in leadership positions, women remain underrepresented in Congress, state legislatures, and corporate boardrooms. Encouraging women's participation in politics and supporting their leadership ambitions is essential for achieving gender-balanced decision-making and advancing women's rights agendas.

Intersectionality is crucial in addressing these inequities. Women of color, LGBTQ+ women, women with disabilities, and other marginalized groups face unique challenges that intersect with gender discrimination. Centering the experiences of marginalized women in advocacy efforts is essential for creating inclusive solutions that uplift all women. Limiting inclusivity and seats at the table, narrows the scope and idea sharing, creating echo chambers in important decision making conversations and perpetuating the cycle of exclusivity. 

As we commemorate International Women's Day, we should recommit ourselves to the pursuit of gender equality in America. This requires not only acknowledging the inequities that persist but also taking concrete actions to address them. By advocating for policies that promote equal pay, combat discrimination and harassment, improve access to healthcare, support caregivers, and elevate women's voices in leadership, we can create a more just and equitable society for all. Together, we should work towards a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive, both personally and professionally.