INTERNATIONAL WOMEN ’ S DAY seek out good performing women because they feel the pressure of these biases and will not raise their hands when an opportunity arises . Seek them out . Present the opportunities and ask what their concerns would be . Demonstrate that you are willing to provide the relevant support structures for them to thrive . A more inclusive workspace ensures that there is a breadth of ideas on the table and approaches to problems that results in much better outcomes .
The lesson I picked here is that most of us are unconsciously biased . Let ’ s us run the simple awareness sessions and discussions on biases to raise the self-awareness and start the journey towards breaking biases .
Be A Beacon Of Hope
Most young girls and women live in fear of being judged . They sometimes choose the safer option and not the option that would align to their passion and gifts . Young girls desiring to stay in school but being forced into early marriage or domestic work due to family circumstances .
As women and men living in the 21st century we need to be the light for these young girls to go after their dreams . Support girls to stay in school . Support girls to fearlessly select sciences if they so choose . Support young ladies to choose their career of choice . Mentor girls to face the world with confidence .
And yes , we are all busy with our lives but if we can all choose to support one young girl or a young lady , then it will be a step in the right direction . There are various programs that you can also support . In Safaricom we have Women in Technology , a program that supports young girls to take STEM
“ The hard lesson is that we need to call out the biases around us when we notice them with courage if we are to succeed in breaking the bias .”
“ While we have made great strides in reducing gender inequalities across the world , a lot still remains to be done to provide equal opportunities for women .”
lessons in school , offer mentorship and showcase the life of an engineer at work .
Mentor girls in your neighborhood . There are great organizations that support girls and need your support . In Kilifi , Moving the Goal Posts uses the power of football to mobilize girls and empower them with much needed knowledge and skills to navigate this world .
The Global Give Back Circle ’ s mission is to support a world of gender equality . The organization mentors , educates , empowers and enables girls especially from marginalized communities to achieve their full potential . They have a fantastic mentorship program that allows women mentor young girls as they journey through education and life . Mentors also provide financial support if they are able to . There are many opportunities available to provide support .
The lesson here is , lend a helping hand . It could be an encouraging word , support for education , mentorship of a young professional . It will make a big difference in breaking the bias .
Be A Champion For Reduced Inequalities
We call upon men and women to be champions of reducing inequalities in our families , communities and workplaces . We cannot do this alone , so we need to build alliances and share the business case for supporting women to get access to equal opportunities . Men must be our allies because they sit in most of the positions of influence .
We should all be champions for gender diversity and representation in our areas of influence . We should consciously seek out professional women in panels to ensure they have an equal opportunity for a job . More so because most of us overthink our qualifications and believe we are not good enough until we have met 100 % of the qualifications .
We should join strategic conversations that demonstrate that there is need to provide support structures for our young ladies e . g ., support provision of sanitary pads to a school near you . Every month young girls miss up to 5 days a month of school days as they undergo a physiological function . Ensure the toilets are fitted with a sanitary bin for safe disposal of sanitary pads . Establish a good maternity cover that caters for complications should these arise ; where possible allow for flexi working hours where young mothers can work from home for a few days in the week . Choose to be a mentor or a coach to a young girl or lady .
Other organizations stretch their desire to support inclusivity . At Safaricom we have mother rooms where new mothers can pump milk over lunch and package it in the fridge ; and carry it home in the evening . We have a crèche that provides support for young mothers whose house girls have taken leave without notice . Staff have access to over 80 certified coaches to support them in their personal development . Maternity leave has been extended to four months compared to the statutory allowance of 3 months .
These changes did not just happen . They required an executive team that was conscious about reducing inequalities and fostering equal opportunity . These resulted in changes in policy and support structures that continue to support women to thrive in a very competitive environment ■
Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi is the Mobile Data Lead , Safaricom Plc . You can commune with her on this or related matters vide email at :
Fawziakimanthi @ gmail . com .
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