YOUR BUSINESS AUTHORITY

Springfield, MO

Log in Subscribe

Opinion: Gender parity: It’s time to invite men to the table

Posted online

I believe we have come as far as we can with the singular focus of women supporting women. It is time that we all lean in at the table.

I’m not alone in this thought.

In Sheryl Sandberg’s book, “Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead,” she shares stories of the male mentors who helped her throughout her career. In a recent presentation, public speaker and author Nancy O’Reilly – who wrote “In This Together: How Successful Women Support Each Other in Work and Life” – emphasized the need to involve men.

In 2016, the founders of Rosie, a local organization that promotes professional development, business assistance and leadership resources for women, invited women in the community to join. Surprisingly, they received inquiries from men who were interested in joining because they wanted to encourage women. Men want to be involved in supporting working women.

There is no denying the importance of women championing women. We need to help each other and listen to one another. Admittedly, a woman can understand and bolster another woman in ways a man cannot. However, our greatest strength comes when we work together.

Women and their organizations can no longer assume that by solely supporting women we are going to make progress in the workplace and at home.

We have made minimal progress in earning equal pay; securing compensated board positions; promoting women to positions of leadership other than human resources, training and development; and elevating women to higher levels in corporations, politics or government.

In 2000, full time, salaried women earned 76 cents for every dollar earned by men. In 2018, that number improved to 81 cents, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

At home, most women still carry the heavier workload when it comes to laundry, child care, cleaning and meals.

It seems evident that what we are doing is not working.

When we speak of inclusivity, we need to think in terms of men and women, too. How can we actively seek to understand each other if we are sitting in separate rooms?

By excluding men from women’s organizations, are we not strengthening the glass ceiling? We see each other talking, but we don’t hear what is said.

Women cannot continue to exclude men and then complain about the lack of progress in the workplace. To move forward, we need to join together in lively discussions.

Men want to know how to create a culture that works for women and men. Women want the same thing. Some networking groups are for women only and prefer to maintain this status. Why not invite a group of men and women colleagues to lunch and start a dialogue?

As chairwoman of the National Association for Women in Communication, I actively encourage chapters to seek male members; despite the name, men are welcome as attendees and members. If your group is open to including men, invite those who are advocates for women to the next program.

As you take a seat at the table, try focusing on the many things you have in common rather than differences. Find ways to help each other understand both perspectives. Ask yourself, what can I learn from the person sitting next to me? You might be surprised at the outcome.

Bringing men to the table in a women’s group does not change the mission of supporting women in the workplace; it can actually further the mission by adding more advocates. We may gain insight on why change is needed and what needs to change – then how to make adjustments.

It’s time to bring men into our circle. We all need a seat at the table to succeed.

LaDonna Greiner is the author of the “21 Reasons to Say Thank You” series, a photographer and a motivational speaker with a focus on gratitude. She serves as national chair of the Association of Women in Communication. She can be reached at ladonna.g@21reasons.life.

Comments

No comments on this story |
Please log in to add your comment
Editors' Pick
From the Ground Up: Republic Intermediate School

The Republic School District is on track to open its Intermediate School for fifth- and sixth-grade students for the 2025-26 academic year.

Most Read
Update cookies preferences