Have you ever heard of the term mansplaining? Mansplaining refers to condescending statements made by a man who assumes that he knows more about the subject of the conversation than the - usually female - person he is talking to.
Especially in the workplace in large companies and office environments, women often have to contend with unfair hierarchies and sexism. The gender pay gap is far from over. In 2020, women earned an average of 18% less per hour than men. At 20%, the differences were significantly higher in western Germany and Berlin than in the east (6%).* According to surveys, one in four women has been sexually harassed in the workplace. In 2021, we live in a society that still tolerates and sometimes - consciously or unconsciously - promotes sexism. Nevertheless, it is unfortunately often the case that women are the fiercest competitors among themselves instead of promoting and supporting each other.
Below we have a few suggestions on how women can join forces and unite against the patriarchal world of work. Her1 is a strong female-led business. It is important to us to support women from all backgrounds, in all walks of life and age groups as best we can - both internally and externally. We are proud of our female power and the community of women that is growing with us. Our vision is to help women tackle health issues from the inside out - for increased wellbeing. Beyond that, however, it is important to us to work holistically for female empowerment and equality.
The further you climb the career ladder, the more opportunities you have to support other women in your field. It is important to build a network of female colleagues, because the women at your level and below you are the future of your company and your industry. Explicitly promote your female contacts and be happy about their professional success. The goal is to grow together and not stand in each other's way through competition.
Take a look at who makes coffee, gets the mail, plans birthdays and runs errands. All these efforts are often taken on "voluntarily" by female colleagues - but they are not the kind that will earn you a bonus or a promotion. The solution to this so-called "office housework"? Don't make these tasks voluntary, but create a plan with alternating and fair distribution. Future generations of women will be grateful for this structure.
Unfortunately, blasphemy is part of human nature. You shouldn't be close friends with every female colleague just because she is also a woman. Nevertheless, be careful how you talk about other women in the office to avoid reproducing sexist stereotypes. It has been scientifically proven that men receive more helpful feedback for their careers than women. So a professional female colleague will appreciate your feedback. Also: When you hear male colleagues talking about women, pay attention to their language. Phrases such as "complicated", "drama queen", "emotional", "demanding" etc. can be misogynistic in nature. Don't be afraid to speak to the colleagues in question and stand up for female employees - this creates respect for everyone involved.
Learn to praise the work of your colleagues. Every now and then, leave a compliment for good work and express your appreciation. This also applies to the competition - this kind of behavior will come back to you and can improve the working environment in the long term. Don't be afraid of a professional test of strength and don't take it personally. Ultimately, competitors are not enemies, but admirers of your performance. Respectful interaction gives you the opportunity to find out your own strengths and weaknesses and grow beyond yourself.
Women are interrupted more often than men - even by women themselves. If your female colleagues are interrupted, notice it and intervene. "Signal boosting" is a strategy developed by women to support each other in the work environment and avoid abusive behavior from male colleagues. For example, in a meeting: If a woman has a point of view or an argument, support her in it. Repeat her argument with reference to her and give her open recognition. This draws attention to the female colleague who made the argument and no one can take the idea away from her. If you notice that employees find it difficult to claim their needs at work, support them - this also applies to private burdens that have an impact on working life.
Working for women's networks in the company can help to combat injustice, power games, but also sexism and discrimination in the workplace. A working environment that takes women and their needs seriously will ultimately also have a positive impact on you. Empowerment in the workplace only works if female colleagues stick together and support each other as naturally as male colleagues usually do.