Don’t Be Silent: Strategies for Breaking through the Disparities by Christine C. Thomas, Ph.D.

The gap between women and men in leadership is a reality. Less than five percent of women are in executive leadership positions in business and politics, unions, religious institutions, legal professions, and higher education (Catalyst, 2015). Disparities and leadership gaps for women have existed for years, despite women earning more degrees than men (Finnan et. Al., 2015). Gender inequality organizations continue to make resources available to increase awareness on gender disparities for women in executive leadership roles. These concerns continue to demonstrate the barriers and biases women face around the world as they seek to take on underrepresented roles in various industries. Are you aware of these concerns? Have you informed your daughters, nieces and young ladies in your circle of influence about the disparities and inequalities women face? Is there a certain moment you are awaiting to let them know? Answering these questions may help give some attention to our sphere of influence and seeking to help others understand these differences and will prepare future generations when it comes to salaries and promotions. Take a moment and watch the following videos and jot down on a piece of paper, how did the videos make you feel? What would you share with another female or young girls regarding gender inequalities and disparities? Are there any behaviors you need to change in your life to help break through the inequalities? Do you believe you have been silent in your current role on the job? And finally, what can you do to be that change-agent and voice for others?

Do you know what gender inequality at work looks like? https://youtu.be/byq-EH9cR00

A Class That Turned Around Kids’ Assumptions of Gender Roles! https://youtu.be/G3Aweo-74kY

Kids Explain, Why are Women Paid Less than

Men? https://youtu.be/S1Onniy08AY The question remains, why does the number of women in high-level positions remain low? Regardless of gender, what is your awakening moment to gender inequalities and disparities? Was it after watching the videos or was it when you were a victim of the disparities and inequalities on the job? or did you witness this happen to someone you know? It is important that we create an awareness of these differences and also to break the silence. We must create a culture of access for women and the following are tips to help leaders and developing leaders break through the silence.

Don’t ignore the problems that exist in the workplace for women, where men are often given the chance to rise to the top and use women to get them there without question.

Help women and girls by connecting them to the videos and resources that exists to increase awareness.

Make sure your voice and others are heard. Do not be afraid to challenge the inequalities in pay and opportunities for growth in the workplace. Requesting fairness in pay should not be described as an angry woman wrapped in her emotions. Do your research on companies before taking a job and be willing to pass up opportunities if they are not willing to be fair?

Encourage yourself and others often when you witness these actions occur and once again, do something about it, don’t remain silent.

Equip others by sharing your leadership story, life experiences and journey so that they may avoid making some of the same mistakes. This is something I wish someone would have shared with me in this cruel world. Gleaning wisdom from someone 6. else is beneficial and it allows you to be prepared and gives time to reflect and create a plan if it happens to you.

Empower others by exposing the reality of the glass ceiling. It is real and workplace oppression exists and we should not turn a blind eye.

7. Devote time to help women succeed when you are place in position of change. Do not perpetuate the problem if it happened to you. Break the cycle. Fight for your team to ensure everyone is treated fairly, compensated fairly and have the same opportunities to succeed despite race, ethnicity, and income.

In closing, I believe these tips can help us to engage more with other women in the workplace in a way that leads to effective mentoring and networking; tackle the barriers and biases women face and to answer the question, what does gender inequality look like in the workplace; equip women with opportunities to develop for advancement when opportunities are available; devote time to encourage women to seek leadership paths in high-level organizational positions; and empower women by demonstrating the importance of synergy, and knowing self and respecting others.