My bookclub is reading I Am Malala this month and the treatment of women in Pakistan she describes is quite disturbing. Sadly, some dismiss it because it is Pakistan but reading in Malala’s words what is going on is terrifying. Suddenly, incidents that devalue women seem to be everywhere and this trend disturbs me as well.
You’ve likely heard about these big news stories but each link has additional commentary, consequences, and responses:
Derogatory comments on Fox about a female UAE pilot. Check out the awesome response from veterans.
Emma Watson’s UN speech on women’s rights and the subsequent threats against her. In her speech she talks about the important and excellent UN Women HeForShe campaign.
Organizations are critical to changing attitudes through their actions which include among other things ensuring pay equity. Leaders and managers have an important role in making change happen in the the world as they model behavior that employees and others often emulate. Unfortunately, the organizations and the leaders of the NFL and ESPN have largely failed.
My business mantra is Better Managers and my hope is this post will catch the eye of managers and remind them of the immense influence they have.
You and I can make a difference too by taking a stand for women everywhere to be treated fairly. I’m going to adopt this response from the veterans to Fox to use when I hear someone make an insulting joke. “You are not funny. You are not clever. And you are not excused.”
Finally, we can also speak with our wallets. Don’t give your money to organizations that sponsor behaviors you believe inappropriate.
We can change this.
How else are you changing the world? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
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My goal is to write 30 blog posts in 30 days the month of September.
#30in30
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