Nine Power Moves for Women on ‘Our Day’

Today is a day to celebrate the success of women and our journey towards gender equality. However, it is also a day to reflect. Despite significant progress, much remains to be done.

I often see organisations’ social media posts about signing cooperation agreements or some other announcements. Too often, women are barely visible in these ceremonial photos. Recently, I saw a photo with 15 smiling men and another with 14 men and just one woman. Let’s not forget that ‘women hold up half the sky’. So, whilst we have made progress, we are not where we need to be yet.

With this in mind and having spent the last 30 years working in different organisations and work environments across the world, I thought this would be a good moment to share my nine power moves, or top tips, for women as we move forward into the second quarter of this century.

Tip 1: Be heard

Early in my career, I was often scared to state my views, assuming the men around me knew more. I had to work hard to overcome this, and it was only when I realised that I have a lot to contribute and pushed myself ‘over the edge’ and started making more of a noise – after this ‘aha’ moment I did not look back. I still see this happening in many meetings where women, especially younger women, are largely silent. We need to make sure our voices are heard because we need to be a part of the conversation. So, do not be shy, speak up in meetings, and find ways to overcome those fears. Believe in yourself, your views, and your right to make sure your views are heard.

Also, remember that female voices may be quieter than those of men, so make sure you take a deep breath and speak clearly from a grounded position. Being heard also means not being overly modest. You do not need the perfect words – many men would not even give ‘perfection’ a thought; they just go for it!

Tip 2: Be seen

It is all too tempting to slide into a meeting room and avoid being in a place where you are seen. At meetings or conferences, notice where women sit. All too often, it is not at the front, but near the back or at the very back. If you are sitting at the back, you will not be seen, it will be harder to make a point or get to the microphone. So make sure you sit close to the action. I am not saying go and grab the ‘best’ seat; rather, make sure that you are not hidden away – it is also good to be seen if you are not quite yet ready to be heard! Take it step by step.

Ensure women are fully represented in your organisation’s positioning, whether its in images, pictures, presentations, conferences, committees, or social media. Too often, men take centre stage – ask yourself how often women are sufficiently represented. Make sure your organisation joins the Panel Pledge, which ensures, as far as is possible, equal representation of women on conference or workshop panels.

Tip 3: Be present

Look around you – see if all the committees and management teams of your organisation have fair female representation at all levels. I say all levels because women remain under-represented at senior levels. Evidence shows that organisations without women in senior roles do not reach their full potential – it is like fighting with one arm tied behind your back. So, it is in everyone’s best interest to get women at the top table and in numbers. 

Tip 4: Advocate for pay parity

It seems absurd that in this day and age, that women frequently are not equally paid. Women often hesitate to negotiate, fearing they do not deserve a higher salary. Men, on the other hand, negotiate without such doubts. Whilst things are improving on this front, speak to your human resources department and ask them to conduct surveys in your organisation to monitor gender pay levels.

Tip 5: Stand your ground

Do not tolerate being mansplained to or bullied. A few men (not many, but a few) may talk over you or be condescending. This is sometimes done deliberately and sometimes subconsciously. Sometimes it’s obvious, more often it can be very subtle. Either way, it does not matter. Stand your ground. Keep talking even if they try and interrupt you, or come back tactfully and repeat your point, so it is clear it was your point that has been hijacked. Do not let someone claim your idea for theirs. If you are uncomfortable about something, that usually means something is not right, so address it as tactfully as you can.  If you are bullied, report it. Stand firm.

Tip 6: Check the policies

As we address the issue of work-life balance, an organisation must have female-friendly polices – specifically a decent maternity policy (and I include paternity policy here too) and recognition of the extra load that many women must carry at home (in addition to work). When I was the sole carer for my small children whilst also holding down a responsible job, I used to say that if I had the luxury of someone sharing the care, I would look at my colleagues who had someone managing the home, and I would think – well, if I had that I would have been a superstar. That said, I knuckled down, did not complain, did not say anything, but just managed to somehow balance out both work and home responsibilities. Bold visions of ‘inclusion’ and ‘gender equality’ are meaningless unless backed by real action and support – it is not right that women have to continue to be silent about this.

Tip 7: Speak up

Having faced discrimination for years, we must also speak up for other disadvantaged groups – the poor, the less educated, the LGBTQIA+, the disabled and the elderly. Look for men and peers who will support you and understand those who don’t.  It is true that sometimes a man can also be your best advocate, and not a woman.  Pick your allies and stick with them they will help you defend others and yourself.

Tip 8: Start a women’s group

Whilst it is hugely important to recognise that many men are our supporters too, and that sometimes women may not always help each other, at ICIMOD we have started a group that meets monthly and discusses the issues we all face in our lives as women. I am often surprised how many women think their struggles are unique (including myself!), only to find others facing the same challenges. As a group, we are a unifying voice for women and can resolve some issues, but it is important to learn from each other, solve problems together, and lend our fellow women support and advice.

Tip 9: Pick your battles wisely

We cannot fight on everything all at once, so be strategic and thoughtful on what and when you need to stand your ground. But, equally, do not let modesty hold you back.

I am proud to be the first woman to hold the position of Deputy Director General of ICIMOD, I am also proud that many of our staff are women, including at senior and Board levels. In 40 years, ICIMOD has had eight male Director Generals. I hope that within the next decade, we will finally see a woman in this role. Our day is coming!