The business world is a challenging place, but it can be especially daunting for women. From the moment we enter the workforce, we're fighting an uphill battle against sexism and discrimination. It can be very difficult to find your voice in this landscape. It's no wonder that so few women own their own businesses. But it doesn't have to be that way. With the right tools and a bit of confidence, you can shatter the glass ceiling and find your voice in a crowded world, whether you own a business or want to progress in your chosen career.
Do women still face discrimination?
A recent study published by Utah State University's Utah Women and Leadership Project shows that yes, women are still facing very difficult challenges with regard to discrimination in the following areas: Undervaluing Women, Steroetypes, Objectification, and Inequity and Bias. This challenge with sexism of women plays a huge role in keeping women not only out of the workforce, but out of leadership roles.
To see the statistics and learn more about this 5 part series, please click here.
What it means to find your voice
When you find your voice, it is about much more than just speaking up. It's about having the confidence to share your thoughts and ideas, even when they're different from the status quo. It's also about recognizing and standing up to micro aggressions, which can be a subtle form of violence or discrimination. It's not always easy to recognize when it's happening, and it's never comfortable to speak out against it, but awareness is the key to transforming the behavior. And finally, when you find your voice it means valuing yourself enough to speak out against injustice and inequality. When you find your voice, you can help shatter the glass ceiling that continues to hold women back.How to find your voice in a competitive world
How do you find your voice when you're starting a business in a competitive world? First, it's important to be authentic. When you're true to yourself, your customers will be able to see it and they'll respond positively. Second, it's essential to know your mission inside and out. Once you can articulate what you stand for, it'll be easier to stay true to your voice and your customers will know what they're buying from you. Being authentic and knowing your mission are two important steps on the road to be able to find your voice as a business owner.
Being true to yourself is key when you find your voice. You don't want to sound like everyone else, and you don't want to water down your message. When you're authentic, people will be able to trust you and connect with your brand. It's also important to remember that you never have to compromise on your values in order to be successful. Stay true to who you are and your voice will shine through.
