I'm Speaking

“Mr. Vice President, I'm Speaking” 

Those words from Kamala Harris hit many women across America hard as we live in a society where men, often men of privilege, think it is their right to speak over us. And we often let them believe that. 

As I go into the workforce, I know that I will hit a lot of these bumps. The glass ceiling and glass escalator create a world where the men are on top in business and in the hiring process. 

The glass ceiling and glass escalator create a world where the men are on top in business and in the hiring process. 

The glass ceiling is an invisible barrier that women hit when they reach a certain point in a company. In 2018 only 5% of CEOs were women and that’s not to say that women are not in the workforce- women are entering the workforce at a higher rate than ever.  

55.6% of women are currently working and 67.6% of men are in the workforce. While these numbers are not that different- the ratio of women to men in leadership positions is, as seen in the graphic. 

Additionally, even though women are entering the workforce at higher rates than ever, they are still pushed to go into female-dominated careers such as teaching or nursing. The problem is, even in these fields that are a majority woman- they still have a disadvantage towards men in terms of growth in that position.  

The glass escalator is a figurative escalator that men ride to the top of female-dominated career fields. For example, even though men are less likely to work in the teaching profession, they are more likely to rise to the position of principal in a faster period of time, as the man is more respected in that career path. 

Once women get into leadership positions, it is still hard to be heard and we saw this come true at the Vice Presidential Debate as Pence decided it was okay to talk over two high powered and highly respected women- Senator Harris, as well as the moderator of the debate, Susan Page.  

The fact of the matter is we need to see women stand up and say “I'm speaking” because we do

deserve the chance to speak and to be heard.  

The problem is when we do speak up and when we do lead, we are often portrayed as “bitches”, “angry”, or “emotional” and men are praised as strong and powerful. Additionally, as women, we sadly pin ourselves against each other instead of collaborating and supporting each other.

One of my favorite tips that I saw when researching how to elevate your voice in the workforce is elevating others’ voices. This essentially comes down to the idea of women supporting women. This tip said when another woman has an idea, give her credit for it. Repeat it if no one hears it- get the idea and the woman behind it out there. This tip is easy and something that both men and women can do to support women in and out of the workforce.  

My favorite quote is a simple one. 

"Empowered Women, Empower Women. "

So next time a man speaks over you, tell them that you are speaking and empower yourself and other women to do the same and show that their voice is valid in and out of the workforce. 

Come back next week to hear my conversation with my Mom about running her own business empowering women!