I am woman hear me roar!
This song sung by Helen Reddy has been around for about 30 years. It includes words that describe a woman as strong, invincible, wisdom born of pain. It talks to the struggle of women wanting to take their place in the world as equals. The reality is that a lot of the struggles of life are borne by women as the birth givers, the nurturers, the home makers and care givers.
In 2024 how much has changed?
The reality is – very little. We work in organisations that espouse the importance of women and look to increase the number of women in leadership and management positions. The path to those positions is still not easy.
From our female clients we hear that one of the biggest challenges is to have their voices heard. Organisations often give more attention to the loudest voices, those whose confidence enables them to talk with certainty, even when they may have little knowledge.
Women are more likely to experience:
- being interrupted
- being talked over
- having their contribution ignored or dismissed while the same contribution from a male is accepted
This can lead to a loss of confidence and encourage withdrawal from discussions and debate with the loss of the valuable contribution they have to offer.
Mary Elizabeth Winstead (actress) said:
“You don’t have to play masculine to be a strong woman”
However, that is often the mistake that women can make. They let go of the feminine power that can bring balance to the organisation, the ability to perform and get things done, whilst valuing and building relationships. Those strengths mentioned in the song are discounted and a more aggressive approach is adopted. This just builds resistance and undermines the true feminine values that organisations need.
Author Mary Shelley, who wrote Frankenstein stated her view:
“I do not wish women to have power over men; but over themselves.”
This is how we work with our female clients to keep their feminine power and to be proud of what they can bring to their lives and to those with whom they interact. The role of women has been evolving and it still has a long way to go before there is equality between men and women.
How can women do this?
They can do this by stealth, slowly, or they can band together and support each other so that each voice is magnified and creates a roar that cannot be ignored. Please don’t think we are anti-men! We are just calling attention to the fact that one day a year is dedicated to women, so cynically, that may mean the others are dedicated to men!
How do we redress the balance?
Women have a responsibility to find their voices and to challenge situations where they feel that they are being shut down. Silence is consent and even colluding. Often the interruptions and overtalking is not about intentionally hurting but may have been normalised in that context. Only by creating awareness amongst groups and organisations do we enable them to change.
If you were given a voice then there is a responsibility to use it for good. Consider your words and your intention not to criticise but to inform and to work towards building a fairer and more inclusive culture in organisations and communities.
Final quote from Marianne Williamson (misattributed to Nelson Mandela)
“Your playing small does not serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you.”
So, women raise your voices. Be courageous and bring your perspectives, your wisdom and contribution to making our world a better place.
To honour women this month, we are giving 2 women the opportunity to win an Enneagram Profile and Debrief! Are you a woman leader on a journey of self-discovery? Then write to us at info@chameleonskills.com and tell us why you think you, or a woman you know, should win this special gift.
For more information please visit our website: www.chameleonskills.com