I’ve just read a great article called How Women can Win in the Workplace published in the Harvard Business Review.
It is an interesting article, based on years of research. It does highlight that there are systemic issues at play, and it then focuses on the things women can do for themselves. There are many amazing suggestions.
And…
I can’t read it without thinking that many of the “things we can do” leave out the reality of the impact of these systems. And we can’t have a conversation about change (or allyship) without recognizing the systems at play (in this case, at the very least, sexism) and their layered impact.
Here are a few things that stand out for me, that I think we need to remember.
Food For Thought
Big moves and bold moves
These are only possible if you can take risks, and risk-taking requires energy, resilience and support. If these aren’t present, then big and bold moves may not be reasonable or possible. Being a member of one or many historically underestimated groups impacts all of these.
Gender Bias
Women’s judgment is more often called into question, as is their role – due to gender bias (acknowledged in the article). Take this one step further and there is undermining, gaslighting, taking ideas, being spoken over. All of these impact our ability to lead, never mind being recognized as a leader. And before we get the position, bias impacts how we are recognized as a candidate in many ways including invitations, conversations, and opportunities we are privy to (to name a few).
The Pink Elephant in the Room
Women have additional hurdles to deal with. For example, women still take on the majority of the caretaking in their families (of children and/or parents). These responsibilities impact energy, resilience, and free time. All of which are required to make career-making moves.
So maybe we don’t have the capacity to consider more when we are running as fast as we can already?
We can’t talk about the things women need to do without also talking about the systems that undermine our ability to step into these roles and thrive – and how these manifest.
Have a read. Let me know what stands out for you!
(c) Annemarie Shrouder 2025
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