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5 Ways to Promote Gender Equality in the Workplace

3/27/2018

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Although women are making strides in the corporate world, there is still work that can be done to level the landscape.


Research from Catalyst, a global nonprofit focused on empowering and accelerating women in business, shows the needle is moving, albeit slowly. In nearly 10 years, the number of women in senior roles in the United States increased just 1 percent. At Standard & Poor's 500 index companies, overall women’s representation is far behind: 5.2 percent CEOs, 11 percent top earners and 26.5 percent senior-level officials and managers. Less than 5 percent of senior level positions are held by women of color. Men still lead more than 95 percent of the most powerful companies in the United States.

If you’re looking for ways to promote change in your workplace, explore these five steps that can help build a work environment where everyone can advance and succeed:


Engage in programs that celebrate women of color. Tap into resources that honor women in leadership and foster growth for aspiring women leaders from racially and ethically diverse backgrounds, such as those available through Catalyst. The nonprofit offers a host of ongoing workshops, programs, trainings and consulting services designed to promote inclusive workplaces, along with events around the world. For example, the “Catalyst Skyline Takeover,” which is a visual realization of the international business community’s commitment to greater diversity, inclusion and gender equality in workplaces around the world, features dozens of global companies “lighting up” their buildings with the female symbol.


Assess and formalize pay scales. As numerous studies indicate, wage disparity is one of the most obvious signs of inequality in the workplace. A fair pay scale outlines specific responsibilities and corresponding compensation rates, and can be applied to roles across the board regardless of race, gender or other potential discriminatory factors.


Ensure growth opportunities exist. Leveling the pay scale is an important step, but ensuring equal access to the positions at the higher end of that scale is an essential supporting move. Simply saying you’ll pay a woman the same as a man in the same job falls short if all candidates, regardless of gender, race or ethnicity are not given the same chance to compete for more senior positions.


Implement mentorship programs. Positive role models can give future leaders the vision to dream big and the guidance to make those dreams a reality. Putting aspiring women leaders in close contact with other women who have attained success in their field helps set a course toward achievement. It also helps men to advance and develop unbiased leadership. Since the majority of business leaders are currently men, change for women can only be accelerated if all those in leadership positions work together.


Support parental involvement. Historically, the issue of parenting and the workforce has been dominated by discussions around maternity leave policies, but more recently that dialogue has evolved. Men, too, desire more time with their families, and through equal parental leave policies, workplaces can allow women and men within all types of family structures to thrive in their careers and at home.



Find more resources and recommendations for promoting workplace equality at catalyst.org.





Photo courtesy of Getty Images (woman in conference room)

Sources: Family Features | Catalyst

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10 Tips for Entrepreneurial Success From Women, for Women

11/21/2017

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Picture
Photo by Arielle Figueredo for the International Culinary Center®

More women than ever are entrepreneurs. However, while women continue to make strides in business ownership, the path to success is still significantly more difficult for women than men. A recent study reports that female entrepreneurs receive only about 2 percent of all funding, despite owning 38 percent of the businesses in the country (Harvard Business Review).


“The culinary industry is dominated by men, but I have never let that get in the way of my success,” says Leticia Skai Young, owner of LoLo’s Seafood Shack in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. “Don’t worry about being a woman, worry about being a leader. Focus on being your best self.”


To inspire the next generation of business owners, Young partnered with the Stacy’s® Rise Project, an initiative from Stacy’s Snacks that helps women shatter the glass ceiling in the highest ranks of the culinary industry. Young hopes her tips will help other women who aspire to own their own business:


  1. Don’t let your gender hold you back. “Being a woman is a business advantage,” says Young. “Many women are excellent multi-taskers and natural leaders, who are community-minded and want others to share in our success.” All are positive attributes of any successful business owner. “Ultimately, your attitude and work ethic matter far more than your gender.”

  2. Identify your niche. Don’t be a “Jane of all trades, master of none.” Find a niche for your skill set and make it your own. LoLo’s Seafood Shack serves a mixture of coastal comfort foods and Caribbean street food, drawing upon the heritage of Young and her husband, who is the executive chef. The unique combination helps set LoLo’s apart in the crowded New York restaurant scene.

  3. Every day is an opportunity to learn. At the beginning of her culinary career, Young invested in specialized training at the International Culinary Center’s Culinary Entrepreneurship program. Today, she’s taking free business courses through a community education program. “I knew I had a lot to learn about the business side of things,” said Young. “So, I got the help that I needed to get ahead. No matter your time and budget, there are opportunities to learn, grow and improve.”

  4. Find a mentor. Mentorship is critical to success, with women in mentorship programs garnering more promotions, higher salaries and more career satisfaction overall. But it can be challenging for women to find a female mentor. If needed, search beyond where you work, or look for someone who is where you aspire to be in 10 years.

  5. Get practical experience. “A mentor once told me that before I opened my own restaurant, I should open three restaurants for someone else,” said Young. “Higher education helps immensely, because you understand the strategy and theory behind your work. But when you encounter a business challenge, nothing beats having past experiences to draw from.”

  6. Ask for help. Many women try to do it all, often sacrificing their own health or happiness in order to complete the task at hand. “Asking for help does not mean you’re incapable. It’s an indication of strong leadership and self awareness — two excellent qualities in an entrepreneur,” says Young.

  7. Be your own advocate. When you’ve proven you have the skills to do the job, stand up for yourself and say so. Confidence is a valuable business asset. When you believe in yourself, others will sense it and be more inclined to believe in you, too.

  8. Find your own work/life balance. No one can tell you what type of balance is right for you. Find what works for you and focus on the mix of professional and personal time that allows you to be best satisfied at home and at work.

  9. Don’t forget to have fun. You can work hard, produce a good product and still have fun. When you are a positive influence on the people around you, you elevate the entire team — people who feel encouraged and appreciated will take pride in what they’re doing and become not only employees, but also ambassadors.

  10. Share your success. Stories of women who have succeeded help encourage those who are still striving to accomplish similar success. “Don’t be afraid to speak proudly about yourself and what you have accomplished, you never know who is listening — and who your story will inspire,” says Young.

To learn more about Stacy’s Rise Project and opportunities to advance your entrepreneurial dreams, visit stacyssnacks.com/riseproject.



​
Source: BPT

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