Occasionally I read a news story about a woman’s achievement as a ‘first’. First woman of color in a job, first woman president of a country, first woman to win a particular award. And just last week, we had the first woman of color nominated to the US Supreme Court. Did you know that Wikipedia even has a list of women’s firsts.
Whenever I read one of these articles, I’m excited, pump my first in the air, and say out loud ‘You go girl’. I’m excited for their accomplishment and how it will open doors for so many more women.
But at the same time, I’m also discouraged. I think ‘Why has this taken so long?’.
How many times in my own career, have I thought about who were the role models that I could look to. When we don’t see anyone who looks like me, we can’t see the possibilities or opportunities that might exist and envision ourselves in those roles.
I recall meeting a woman early in my career, who served as a role model for me. She was an economist. The entire senior leadership team in the company in which we worked was white males. And while not a member of the senior leadership team, she was the highest-ranking woman in the organization.
When one woman excels, we are all elevated. It helps enhance our self-efficacy and creates new opportunities for other women. When we can see these possibilities, our well-being is enhanced.
Employers can support women and their well-being by creating family-friendly workplaces so women can have the support they need to balance family and work responsibilities. By ensuring that women are represented at all levels in leadership and managerial role, it creates a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
Are there women in your life who have helped you see what was possible?