At every business in every industry, there is always an invisible glass ceiling that women seem to be unable to shatter. This glass ceiling is symbolic of all the ever-present challenges and obstacles women must constantly face in the workplace, such as the wage gap and unequal opportunity, whether it be for a job or a promotion.
Females have to work twice as hard to be offered the same wages and opportunities as their male counterparts. In 2015, women earned 20% less than men despite the fact that they do the same jobs. However, in spite of all of these setbacks, there are ways women can stand up for themselves in the business world.
Ask Questions
If you were not invited to a meeting that a male coworker was invited to, don’t be afraid to question why that is. The same goes for opportunities and promotions in the workplace. Demand to know the reason why a male coworker was offered a work opportunity or a promotion instead of you. Ask why a male co-worker gets paid more than you.
Unequal treatment must always be addressed by the employers, and the sooner it is resolved, the better. Ask for what you deserve, especially if you feel you’re qualified for a promotion yet didn’t receive one or you feel as if you’re not earning the amount that your work warrants.
Speak Up in Meetings
When you have something to add to the discussion, share your thoughts and don’t be shy. It’s extremely important to assert yourself and demand that your voice is heard, both by your co-workers and your employers.
If others interrupt you, you must be sure to speak up and call them out on it. Adding your input during meetings is the first step to ensuring that your ideas are heard and taken into consideration.
Stand Up for Fellow Female Coworkers
It is essential to speak up if you witness other women being treated unequally in the workplace. Defend your female coworkers and challenge any unfair words and actions that are directed at them. If they were passed over for promotions they deserved, talk to your employers about it. Stand together with them in solidarity and demand that your employers take action and address these issues of inequality.
By doing all of this, you will show your co-workers and your employers that women in business are a force to be reckoned with.
Tracy Yu
Tracy Yu is an experienced writer and social media manager. She is very passionate about women’s rights, feminism, and promoting women in the work force. Tracy has written for Her Culture and Miss Heard Magazine.
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