Implicit bias and double standard
Women face conscious and unconscious gender biases and stereotypes secondary to society’s expectations of their behavior and their image. Usually their success is attributed to luck. Furthermore, assertive women are seen as less warm and likable. It’s as if they can be either competent or likable, but not both at the same time. Also, women are more likely to be blamed for crises and criticized for negative consequences, even if they weren’t responsible.
Additionally, there is a disparity in tasks and chores associated to gender. When it comes to giving responsibilities, women are assigned to perform supportive roles more likely than being promoted to decision making roles or positions of authority. In contrast, men get more authoritative roles
Lack of mentors and networks
Networks help improve work relationships, but women are frequently excluded. It is challenging for women to gain access to professional networks because traditionally many of these are built around male-dominated social spaces. This poses a challenge to women who want to gain access. On top of that, family responsibilities pose a limit to women’s participation in networking activities after regular work hours.
There is scarcity of women in senior leadership positions leading to women having fewer connections who teach about opportunities. This limits the available opportunities for women to find mentors and sponsors to learn from and less opportunities to connect with other successful female professionals.
Work-life balance
Women may face challenges balancing work and family, which can limit their ability to seek leadership roles. Women are still more likely to do the majority of household chores.
After a full day of work, many women come home to take care of household duties and the children. These, in fact, have the impact of working two additional full time jobs. About 91 % of women with children spend at least an hour per day on housework, compared with 30 % of men with children.
Discrimination
It’s a fact that that women get paid less than men who are doing the same job. According the the US Department of Labor, In 2023, women earned 83.6% of what men earned, with median weekly earnings of $1,005 for women and $1,202 for men. These numbers are worse for women of color. Although having the same or more experience, skills and educational level women also get passed over for promotions.
A harsh reality is that women are more likely to face sexual harassment, hostile work environments, and other forms of discrimination.
Internalized narratives
Impostor syndrome holds women back. Consequently, when women face opportunities, these beliefs lead them to avoid the required action to ascend in to positions of leadership. Many women are convinced that they are not qualified to undertake the responsibilities of the role when many times they are overqualified.
Because society identifies women as the primary caregivers, there is fear of being labeled as not committed to their jobs. The thought that women will prioritize their family needs over work demands often results in fewer opportunities for their career advancement.
Despite of all that was expressed above, women still challenges and thrive in leadership roles. Here are some helpful ways women can use to move up in their careers:
Believe in yourself
Employers look for certain traits when considering promotions or assigning responsibility. Changing your mindset gives you the confidence to take on new challenges, speak up with ideas, and to actively pursue opportunities. The more you believe in yourself, the more others will do the same and consider you their leader.
Seek support
Find mentors and opportunities to network. Connect with other women in leadership positions who are your role models. Women who can open doors and lead the way.
Invest in development opportunities like coaching and training programs that help develop the skills and confidence necessary to advance their careers.
Clearly express what kind of help you need to remove those tasks and responsibilities that get in the way to reach your goals. Don’t hesitate to inform when something does not work for you.
Advocate for your advancement and that of other women
Advocate for equal pay, access to leadership roles, flexible work arrangements, strong mentorship programs, policies that address unconscious bias, and actively promoting equity initiatives within the workplace. In addition, raising awareness about issues like gender-based violence and reproductive rights in broader societal contexts.
Identify and re-phrase the words you say to yourself
Pay close attention to to your daily thoughts. Listen actively to what runs though your mind and change any negative thoughts with positive statements and encouraging phrases. You may also try writing down your thoughts to then recognize patterns that you can reframe at a later time and change what you tell yourself. Challenging negative beliefs helps you to stay focused in your own progress. Even small wins help you stay motivated. Remember, although you may feel you are not making much progress, those baby steps accumulate to make significant achievements.
In summary, women become leaders through their own efforts, the support they receive from their peers and mentors, and by overcoming the challenges they face.
About Dr. Landrau
Dr. Carmen W. Landrau is a professional speaker in Houston, TX. She works with organizations that want to maintain professional women in their staff and promote them to executive levels. Her programs on leadership and women’s empowerment, show professional women how to work on their mindset to improve their performance so that they can become phenomenal leaders in their industry.
Invite Dr. Landrau to speak at your event by sending a direct message to drlandrau.com/contact. Watch Dr. Landrau’s podcast, Conversations with Women Trailblazers on Youtube. Check her social media pages on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
