👨 Is this a man’s world? 👨
I can still remember very well when my math teacher at elementary school told me to forget about doing something in IT because I wasn't good at math. I was gifted in languages and should do something like that instead. Later, I was ridiculed because I was convinced that my degree in education was perfectly suited to going into IT. I was also told and asked things that some women have unfortunately heard before ("Are you the intern here?”).
What always helped me were people who stood behind me unwaveringly. My father, for example. We always joke that he doesn't have a son and that's why one of his daughters became an automotive mechatronics technician and the other one went into IT, but actually he always supported us in becoming what WE wanted to be.
In the workplace, too, you need people who support and challenge you. People who give you the chance to develop, regardless of your gender or other characteristics.
We are on a good path, but we have certainly not yet reached our destination and we must always ensure that we do not lose our way. This includes going to the polls to ensure that no parties come to power that want to curtail women's rights. We should also not forget that we are privileged, if we live in countries that do not legalize the oppression of women's rights. Women should support each other, for example in networks such as Lean In. We should choose employers who are committed to supporting and developing all of their employees.
I'm not in this for any gender debates, but simply that every person has the chance to develop in the way they want.
🌍 It might not be a man’s world anymore, but it could be more humane. 🌏
Diane Cashin One video you might enjoy of our Girls Inc. DC girls getting out the vote