For so many reasons, not the least of which is the current news dominating all forms of media here in the United States right now about the Supreme Court nomination of Brett Kavanaugh, gender is such an important issue for us to address. I hear things from women all that time that leave me humbled, confused, angry, and feeling like something has got to change in a big way. Gender can be a messy and confusing topic to talk about for many reasons, but it’s a conversation that must be had in order to move the world towards a real sense of equality and inclusion. As we cover in this episode, it’s so important for us to listen, pay attention, and remember that we are all in this together.

Key Takeaways:

[2:07] The recent news of Brett Kavanaugh’s sexual assault accusations has become an intense hot-button issue in politics that reflects a microcosm of where we are in our culture.

[5:27] Just a few generations ago, there were only three primary professions for a woman in the working world: nurse, secretary or teacher. There are opportunities now that weren’t available; it is still not an even playing field on a fundamental level.

[9:30] At a workshop I attended, when our presenter asked a room full of women and men when the last time they felt physically unsafe was, almost 80% of women said they felt this way within the last 24 hours.

[12:54] Research has shown that men are more likely to apply to job postings when they don’t meet the criteria called for within the job description. Women may turn away from applying even when they meet 4 out of 5 criteria.

[17:59] We all have our own background and our own story, but can we empathize with other people? How do we get to the place where we can speak up for others that aren’t like us?

[26:09] Whether they are conscious or unconscious, we have double standards in expectations for gender that must be brought into the open through discussion and curiosity.

[29:50] This is a moment in our country and culture where there is much more work for us to do in gender inclusion and equality.

Resources:

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“Why Women Don’t Apply for Jobs Unless they Are 100% Qualified,” by Tara Sophia Mohr

Sheryl Sandberg

“Why We Need Women to Lead with Will Marré”