Challenges faced together are often easier to manage. That’s true no matter your age or stage in life. Having someone who is by your side to help you face challenges is the power of mentorships! So for this International Women’s Day, we are celebrating the power of mentoring – in all its forms – women and girls in order to challenge current systems and eliminate inequity and gender bias.
Here are seven ways you can challenge gender bias through mentoring.
1. Encourage friends and family to become mentors.
Create community by sharing the benefits of mentorship. In the workplace, mentees gain a wider perspective of their industry, develop a network and draw value from it. A stronger network also helps generate more professional opportunities and helps the mentee learn from their mentor’s expertise.
2. Share social posts that uplift women.
Fight the ways that social media can tear women down by posting empowering content. Instead share an article about the increasing numbers of women who are running for office, for example. By taking this step you can lead by example and inspire others to do the same.
3. Start a mentoring program at your local place of worship or community organization.
Start with a community you are familiar with and truly maximize your reach. Be a role model to your community for how to make impactful social change.
4. Encourage a male friend or family member to fight gender bias.
Challenging inequity is not just women’s work. Everyone can play a role! Men can examine their prejudices, change their outlooks, and get involved in mentorship by mentoring a woman or girl they know or connecting that person with a female leader.
5. Acknowledge gender bias when you see it. Whether you are quiet or outspoken, it’s important to spread awareness and call out inequity wherever it exists. By speaking up, you bring attention to a phenomenon of which some people might not be aware.
6. Give a presentation to your coworkers about the benefits of becoming a mentor.
Again, awareness is the key word. Ask your employer for an opportunity to give back. By sharing your experience, you could make an impact that you wouldn’t have expected.
7. Join United Way’s Women United group and take action.
Women United in San Antonio is over 3,100 women strong. Consider joining Women United with a donation of $500 or more to United Way and get involved.
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