I think people fall into three camps: Informed, uninformed, and not concerned when it comes to Diversity and Inclusion.
Informed: You understand that advancing women and women of color in the workplace takes work, and you are a voice for others as well as a creator of more seats at the table. We applaud you for your work and your willingness to bridge the gap.
Frankly, it takes a village, and if true equality is ever to be obtained, we need women of all colors being resources and advocates for each other in a society that oftentimes thinks of WOC as an afterthought.
Uninformed: You've heard of formation, but you think it’s something cheerleaders do at Friday night Football games. You can sense that inequality exists, and maybe it worries you, but you don't know enough to do anything about it.
Or you haven't seen it directly affect anyone you know. I believe that the uninformed want to be helpful, but they are not yet doing the work. If your sister circle is not diverse, you can’t very well speak on behalf of those who don’t have a seat at your table.
Take some time to diversify your circle. Also take time to read and gain some perspectives on the everyday struggle of black women bell hooks, Audre Lorde, and Angela Davis are good places to start. Expand your worldview, and find out why #blackgirlmagic is not just a hashtag.
Not Concerned: This final group has no interest in knowing about the disparities for women and women of color in the workplace. Or worse, they know, but simply do not care. They are the reason we must unite and be as informed as possible.
We need seats at the table that represent unity and equality for all women. If the informed and uninformed do their parts, hopefully our good work can overshadow the unconcerned.
In honor of this Women’s History Month, we must become even more vigilant in advancing other women. For example, consider buying a book written by a woman of color, supporting a business owned by a woman of color, or becoming more informed about the wonderful achievements by WOC
There are many things we can all do to advance women, and women of color specifically. What will you do?
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