5 Ways Women Can Empower Each Other
Throughout history and even still today, so many women feel as if they are in constant competition with each other. Thankfully, we’re starting to see this competitiveness and jealously decrease. But it’s still prevalent and worthy of a discussion.
Why do women feel like they can’t support each other? Where did this notion come from? I think the idea stems from the fact that there weren’t always places for women in the workplace. It seems like there’s only one spot for success for a woman, and we all must compete for it. Of course, this isn’t how things are, yet sometimes it’s still how we act.
Bottom line, there is enough success on the playing field for everyone. We should be building up each other as sisters. Giving each other compliments and empowering each other to be the best we can be.
We’ve put together a few ways in which you can empower the women around you and create a more positive work environment for your team, a more compassionate friend-circle, and a happier you.
Stand Up for Others
There is a lot of negativity circling around, and it is easily spread now that social media is such a massive part of our lives. But, you can also use this as a tool of empowerment. If you see someone being put down, don’t be afraid to stand up for them.
Standing up for one person doesn’t mean putting another person down. Choose positive words or change the topic of discussion. Being the bigger person usually has a snowball effect and will change the energy of the room (or the social media accounts involved). And if it doesn’t, then you’ve done all you can do. Let it go, and move forward.
Compliment Each Other
The positive effects of receiving compliments, as well as giving them, is undeniable. Studies actually show that receiving a compliment improves performance in the same way that receiving cash would.
If it makes you feel that much better, why not encourage other women the same way by giving them compliments. These positive affirmations not only affect your mental health for the better, but they can also help you to work harder with newfound confidence.
Share Your Story
Women are continuously comparing themselves and their lives to other women. We only see a small part of people’s lives online or on TV, and we are only viewing what they want us to see.
What’s the best way you can help to combat this? Share your stories! Share your stories of success and how you got there, the things you’ve been through, your wins, your losses, etc. Chances are, someone else is going (or has gone) through something similar. Not only can you get your story out there and rejoice with other women who feel the same, but you may also encourage another woman to tell her story. By doing this, we can support each other and continuously lift each other up.
Network and Connect
There is no shortage of ways to connect and network with people. You can even find online communities that are built just for women. Build your network among other females and share opportunities when possible.
If you hold a leadership role and have opportunities for someone, or hear about a role opening, a great way to empower other women is to share this information. Maybe you work with female colleagues and could introduce them to others who they could network with. If it’s all about who you know, then it’s a great way to be able to support the ladies around you.
Be Approachable and Accept Others
You can empower the women around you by letting them know they can come to you for advice, for help, or even just to talk. Ever heard of the quote, “Empowered women empower women.”? Be the empowered woman who empowers other women. Be approachable and offer your condolences, advice, or shoulder when needed.
Also, know everyone is different. We all do things differently, approach situations differently, etc… And that’s not a bad thing. We should embrace and celebrate the things that make us unique.
Of course, there are many more ways females can empower each other to be strong women, role models, and leaders. We hope these tips can help to inspire you to spread positivity in your workplace, in school, on social media, and in your daily lives.
What other ways can we empower each other? What are some things you already do to empower the women you know? Let us know in the comments below!
Alyson Pittman is a contributing writer for WBD and a JR marketing associate for Excite Creative Studios, an Atlanta-based creative agency.
Alyson graduated from Kennesaw State University with a Bachelors of Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing. She was in multiple organizations at KSU where she held leadership positions. As a part of the Delta Phi Epsilon Sorority, Alyson held the Social Coordinator position and planned/promoted large events.
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