Women must sponsor women

Recently, I have been studying gender relations and gender biases that prevent women from reaching top leadership roles. I've found that women can be their own worst enemies. We're somewhat neurotic and question our abilities. We're realistic about our skills and welcome the opportunity to learn more. We hope to be liked and want everyone to get along. We're nurturers and help others first before helping ourselves.

It's that last one that I want to talk about here. Yes, women are nurturers. Then why aren't we nurturing each other?

Women have perpetuated a stereotype that we are fiercely competitive with one another and not always willing to help each other out.  I question that is true, but if it is or isn't, the behavior or profile must stop. We must sponsor each other, promote each other and encourage our female and male counterparts to do the same. Only then will our associations, organizations, businesses, and government benefit from the full range of knowledge, experience and emotions that drive us to succeed.

In the following video, former US Representative Jane Harman gives advice for female leaders. Three points stand out to me that women must begin doing now:

1. Work harder and be more prepared
2. Accept that you will make enemies and move on
3. Bring other women up with you

She says that last one is a moral imperative. I agree.



Why did I think this was important to discuss on the Experience Optimism blog? 
Twenty-five years ago, the Supreme Court ruled that women must be allowed to join Rotary International opening the doors for their admission to all service clubs. Since that time, membership in service clubs has declined. Many explanations have surrounded this statistic such as the rise of churches, the failing economy, more opportunities to volunteer without joining a club, and others; however, I believe that the underlying problem is culture. 


Over the past three years, serving as an Optimist District leader, I have been appalled at how women are disrespected in many circles. Even when women are promoted and are successful, a rude, disparaging undertone is often louder than the praise. 


I will continue to look at the topic and when possible, encourage women to overcome the slights that will follow them on their road to success. Women, we must help each other achieve more.