At Women Awakening Women (WAW) we strive for a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
And this year, we invite you to join women around the world to #BreakTheBias.
As individuals, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. By raising awareness and being intentional, we are able to consciously break our biases and lead by example for ourselves, families and colleagues. And that is why being part of a Community of Practice becomes relevant: to keep us truthful and accountable.
By raising our own awareness and intention, we are instrumental in breaking the bias in our communities, workplaces, education institutions, and families.
Together, we can all break the bias – on International Women’s Day (IWD) and beyond. In doing this the world will be a better place; making more informed, valuable decisions and celebrating differences.
The fact is that we all have unconscious bias in our decision making; every day and we might even notice it. Every single human being has unconscious bias. We are all fed stereotypes and this impacts the decisions we make; whether they are every day or life choices.
However, through being aware of what unconscious bias is; why we have biases; and the benefits of cultivating a more open mind and including a more diverse world, benefits everyone.
So what do we mean by bias? It can be anything from:
* A man not accepting a female boss or leader ‘Because she is a woman’.
* Undervaluing an individual because of their age, gender or sexual orientation
* Disregarding any advice, comments or opinions from particular ethnic groups
* Always assuming that because someone was originally from a particular country or region that they will behave in a particular way
* Accusing women of being bossy when the same statement from a man is considered ‘Speaking like a leader’.
* Accusing women and women of color of being over emotional; when they have been assertive, to cut them down.
Have you experienced any of these lately? Were you the creator or the recipient of any similar situation?
Raising awareness is the first and relevant step to take into a more diverse, equitable and inclusive world for everyone.
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