Inspire Inclusion - Happy International Women's Day!
Today, March 8th, the world is coming together to celebrate International Women's Day, an occasion marked globally to honor and recognize the myriad contributions of women across social, economic, cultural, and political spheres.
We will shine a spotlight on the IWD’s theme for 2024, "Inspire Inclusion," a powerful call to action that emphasizes the significance of creating an inclusive world where diversity and empowerment are celebrated.
Inspire Inclusion
When we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion, we forge a better world.
And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
This theme underscores the essential role of inclusion in advancing gender equality, urging individuals and communities to inspire others to recognize and value the importance of incorporating women's perspectives and talents across all aspects of society.
Research: Men Are Wors Allies Than They Think
I recently came across this Harvard Business Review article titled "𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵: 𝗠𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸" by David Smith, Brad Johnson, Kim Graham Lee, and Jeanette Thebeau provides some important insights on this topic.
The authors define gender allyship as the collaboration of dominant group members with women to promote gender equality and equity actively, driving systemic change.
However, their study reveals a persistent gap between men's and women's perceptions of how men truly show up - or not - in the workplace.
Only about half of employees knew of allyship training in their companies, and only 12% participated. But when men did participate, they were two to three times more likely to recognize and witness gender-biased behaviors.
As we work towards a more inclusive future, it's crucial to move beyond awareness to the active practice of allyship.
Senior leaders must talk clearly about allyship, provide the necessary resources, and hold individuals accountable.
Generous listening, understanding, and meaningful action are key. We must create a community of allies who share their experiences and grow together.
So, I encourage all the men within my network to actively participate in allyship training, listen actively, learn, and take meaningful action.
Empowering the Future: How 'Inspire Inclusion' Shapes Inclusive Cultures
Watch this thought-provoking episode, which draws inspiration from this year's International Women's Day theme, "Inspire Inclusion," a powerful call to action that urges us all to champion inclusivity in every sphere of life, particularly within our workplaces.
The need for inclusive cultures has never been more important as we move through a period of rapid change and rising social awareness. It's about creating environments where diversity is welcomed and celebrated, where every individual can thrive without barriers to success and well-being.
The Workplace is Not A Disney Story
In the dynamic world of work, it's crucial to equip employees with the skills and knowledge to navigate courageous conversations toward productive outcomes. This training becomes even more significant when we consider the Dutch proverb, "Without friction, there can be no shine!"
It reminds us that the workplace isn't always a harmonious Disney tale.
Challenging situations will inevitably arise, calling for brave discussions. Without appropriate training or guidelines, these conversations risk fostering exclusion rather than promoting inclusion.
Therefore, it's vital to provide effective training to support these dialogues, leading to improved understanding and collaboration. So, let's turn potential friction into opportunities for growth and shine together.
Reach out for the training, "Navigating Courageous Conversations for Productive Outcomes," and learn to transform challenging discussions into powerful tools for positive change.
Amplifying Inclusion?
💡Want to learn more about how I can support you, your team, and your organization with challenges related to inclusion? How can I inspire, motivate, and activate your audience?
Go to bit.ly/speaker-AmplifyDEI or message me via info@amplifydei.com for more information about my keynotes, talks, training, and consulting services!