The need to broaden and deepen our understanding of visionary women, gender bias, and career development cannot be limited to one month, one training session, or one experience. The bigger picture of the pervasiveness of the gender issues today demands attention in an intentional way. One place to start is looking back – at history (or “her-story") and at the development of young girls' careers, then bring that knowledge forward to the work world today.
~ Melanie Reinersman, M.A., insights@careerdevelopmentalliance.com
Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
FOCUS ON: Gender-Based Harassment
Speaking up without fear, having access to advocacy tools, and receiving active support from males are all keys to creating the world females deserve. The effects of discrimination on schooling, career, credibility, and future prospects starts when young girls are distanced from activities and school subjects (think math and science) where the message is “you are are not welcome if you are a girl.” Read more about how to talk to girls about gender discrimination and harassment at GirlScouts.org
JOB SEARCHING: Hiring Practices that Improve Black Women's Representation
If companies anonymize resumes and include two or more Black women as finalists, a Black woman will have a fair chance of being hired. Likewise, objective evaluation tools should be clear and consistent in addition to appointing a monitor to keep evaluators focused on the criteria for the role. Read more from The State of Black Women in Corporate America.
FOR THE PRACTITIONER: Early Women Pioneers
To overcome “historical amnesia” (i.e., the omission of women from written history), a look at the women who contributed to the growth of the career development field is vital. Looking back on the changes in women's roles, the pursuit of equity, and a discourse on the scientific basis for gender difference can be viewed in relation to the task of challenging discrimination today. Read the first in a series about women pioneers in career development from Career Convergence.
BONUS!
FOR THE PRACTITIONER: The Critical Role in Girls' Career Journeys
The value of career development for young women, particularly the importance of experiential learning and how to thrive in the future of work, is the focus of the conversation in this video released by Beginner Woman. Role models can not only teach trust, but can also increase the self-confidence of young girls as they reveal the variety of potential pathways, even as work evolves. Listen to more.
GENDER IN THE WORKPLACE: Unequal Economic Recovery
Statistics in the jobs reports of out Canada show that women may be facing a long, slow recovery from pandemic setbacks. Significant numbers of unemployed and underemployed women may be the result of obstacles such as safe child care and in-school options (i.e., social norms keep mothers at home more than fathers). The recovery in female-dominant industries, as well as the potential rollback of any gains in gender equality, are also shared in this article from a senior economist in Canada.
TOP TEN: Ways to Fight Bias
Gender discrimination became unlawful in the United States in 1964, but that doesn't mean that bias no longer exists. Organizations can increase gender equality from the top down via education of senior leadership, critically evaluating work assignments, and practicing social inclusion. Read all ten from SHRM.
QUOTES
“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.” - Madeleine Albright
“The question isn't who's going to let me; its who is going to stop me.” - Ayn Rand