Hello, everyone! It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Jane here, and I can hardly believe it’s already November. The holidays are just around the corner, and 2018 is nearly over—where did the year go? As we start making plans to reconnect with friends and family over holiday cider (a personal favorite that I finally learned how to make a couple of years ago) or perhaps some wine (another favorite, of course), one conversation that seems to continually come up is the role of women in the workplace.
Let’s pause and take a serious moment to reflect on the ongoing discussions around women in the workforce.
A Personal Journey: From Women’s Studies to the Workforce
A little backstory about me: I’ve been working and earning my own money since I was 15. From my college waitressing days to my current role as Editorial Director for The Chriselle Factor, I’ve always found myself in predominantly female environments—whether it was in beauty, fashion, or fashion-tech. I’ve always been the type of person who surrounds herself with strong, supportive women.
Interestingly, when I attended UCI for my BA in Women’s Studies, I was often met with skepticism. Many, especially men, would scoff at my degree choice. “What are you going to do with that degree?” they’d ask. “Are you going to become a lawyer? Do you realize law is still a boys’ club?” The comments were frustrating, but I had one amazing professor—Professor Kim—who truly inspired me.
Professor Kim was everything I aspired to be: confident, articulate, strong, and unapologetically intelligent. Her teaching style, which relied on verbal exams rather than written tests, was a true eye-opener. She encouraged us to speak up, to voice our thoughts, and to back them up with solid arguments. She instilled in me the belief that in the real world, your voice matters, and your ideas deserve to be heard.
Fast forward to today, and I’m now in the best job I’ve ever had. Having a female boss who is not only a minority but also someone who creates her own path is empowering. It’s incredibly uplifting to be surrounded by a group of women who support and encourage one another rather than compete. Unfortunately, this sense of community isn’t always the norm. Why is that?
Women in the Workplace: The Struggles We Face
Throughout my career, I’ve often found myself in corporate environments where women were pitted against one another. There were female bosses who suppressed my ambitions, leaving me frustrated and resentful. I began to wonder: was I being too hard on these women? Was I expecting more from them just because they were women? Would things have been different if my boss were a man?
More often than not, when I did something well, my female boss would take the credit, offering only the faintest recognition. I couldn’t help but ask myself, why was this happening? Why didn’t my female boss encourage me or lift me up? It’s a tough question. But ultimately, leaders—regardless of gender—should inspire, motivate, and nurture the growth of those around them.
It’s all too common to encounter double standards: when women are strong-willed or competitive, they’re labeled as “bitchy” or “too emotional,” but when men display the same traits, they’re seen as “assertive” or “strong.” Why is there such a stark difference in perception? Why should women be expected to be meek, silent, or agreeable to avoid being seen as hostile? Let’s challenge these narratives.
The Need for Support, Not Suppression
One of the most damaging aspects of the workplace is the perception that there isn’t enough success to go around. This “scarcity mentality” makes women feel like they need to suppress one another in order to secure their own position. But there’s another way—a better way.
What if, instead of competing, we supported each other? What if women in positions of power used their influence to lift others up rather than hold them down? What if we made it a point to help those around us succeed, especially women who might not have the same opportunities we’ve had?
It’s time to change the conversation. Women should be helping each other, whether that’s offering advice, making introductions, or simply listening when someone needs to talk. Support doesn’t always have to be transactional. It’s about being genuine, showing up for each other, and creating a culture of empowerment.
Supporting Each Other in the Workplace
What does support in the workplace look like? Sometimes it’s as simple as a coffee date or a casual lunch with a fellow woman, particularly a minority woman who may need guidance or advice. Other times, it’s helping someone with their resume or connecting them with opportunities they wouldn’t have had access to otherwise.
We can all be leaders in this regard. Whether it’s through providing mentorship, advocating for women’s rights, or donating to women-led organizations, there are countless ways we can support each other. Prioritize kindness, and don’t get bogged down by gossip or negativity.
Personally, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a group of girlfriends who are fiercely supportive. We are each other’s sounding board, and when one of us faces a challenge, we show up for each other. It’s a space where we feel empowered to speak our truth and lift each other up. Not everyone has that, and it’s something I truly value.
Creating a Stronger Future Together
While the road to equality in the workplace has been long and filled with obstacles, we’ve made significant progress. We’ve come a long way, but there’s still more work to do. It’s up to all of us—whether you’re a woman in a leadership role or someone still finding your footing—to continue pushing for change, speaking up for ourselves and others, and fostering an environment of solidarity and empowerment.
As we continue to break down barriers and support each other, let’s remember: There’s enough room for all of us to succeed. By lifting each other up, we create a workplace that celebrates strength, diversity, and mutual respect. The more we help each other, the stronger we all become.
Here’s to strong women. May we know them, may we be them, and may we raise them.
And lastly, don’t forget: use your voice. Exercise your privilege to vote, and ensure that we keep pushing forward—together.
