Women Mark International Women's Day by Discussing Bias Eradication
Today, on International Women's Day, we take a moment to honour and celebrate the accomplishments of women in the workplace and the world. In line with this celebration, we share insights from Cindy Lee, SVP Finance for the APAC region, based in Singapore, and other participants from various parts of a group, as they discuss biases they have encountered in their working lives and offer advice to women facing similar barriers and glass ceilings.
Talent Over Labels
The article emphasizes the importance of talent over labels, underscoring the need to focus on individual abilities and potential, rather than preconceived notions or stereotypes. Cindy Lee, a prominent figure in the finance sector, shares her experiences with biases in her working life, but the specific details are not disclosed.
Building a Support Network
Many women leaders emphasize the importance of having a support network. Mentorship, where experienced professionals guide and support less experienced individuals, is highlighted as a crucial aspect of navigating challenges and gaining valuable insights. Engaging with professional networks and organizations focused on women's leadership can also provide resources and support.
Developing Resilience and Self-Confidence
Women often face unconscious biases and stereotypes. Developing resilience and self-confidence can help them navigate these challenges. Self-advocacy, or learning to advocate for oneself and express needs and ambitions clearly, is considered essential.
Embracing Opportunities and Learning from Failures
Taking calculated risks and stepping out of comfort zones can lead to significant growth opportunities. Viewing failures as learning experiences can help build resilience and foster growth.
Advocating for Change
Encouraging organizational changes that foster equality, such as flexible work arrangements or diversity and inclusion initiatives, can help create more inclusive environments.
Seeking Out Diverse Perspectives and Learning
Engaging with diverse perspectives and continually updating skills can help women remain competitive and informed about industry trends.
While the specific advice from Cindy Lee is not provided, these insights reflect common themes in discussions about overcoming barriers in the workplace. Events like the RISE: Women’s Sports and conferences focusing on women's leadership, such as the one addressing the lack of female leadership in education, highlight the importance of creating supportive environments and pathways for women's advancement.
Let us continue to celebrate Women's History Month by acknowledging the achievements of women, supporting each other, and working together to break down barriers and create a more inclusive world.
- In the spirit of science, let's apply the principles of talent over labels in our workplaces, focusing on individual abilities and potential, thus promoting fairness and equality.
- Building a support network through mentorship and professional connections, especially within organizations dedicated to women's health and wellness, can help women overcome biases and glass ceilings.
- Recognizing the challenges faced by women in the workplace, developing resilience and self-confidence, and learning self-advocacy skills are essential for navigating menopause and other aspects of womens-health within the lifestyle and family-dynamics context.
- By advocating for changes that foster equality in the workplace, such as adaptive work environments and comprehensive diversity and inclusion policies, we can strive for health-and-wellness and stronger relationships in both our personal and professional lives.
