On Finding Our Voice: A Bevolution that Shapes the Pathways for Future Generations of Women
How we can collectively create safe spaces and empower women of the present and future to speak up.
Finding our voice is more than just a personal journey; it’s a collective movement. It’s about embracing all of our feelings, even the challenging ones. Instead of pushing these feelings away, let’s lean into them.
Recently, I returned to playing dodgeball in a local league I’ve been part of for over ten years. This group goes above and beyond the sport; they engage in community service, support local rec centers in LA, and host various social outings. It’s not just about dodgeball—though there’s something wonderfully goofy and exhilarating about it. It’s the community that keeps me coming back.
One day, while waiting for dodgeball to start, I stumbled upon a girls basketball league in the gym. An 8-year-old girl with a beaming smile started chatting with me about dodgeball and expressed her interest in playing, then shared how much she loves basketball. I was captivated by her passion for the game. I thought maybe this is my chance to get involved finally, and I was directed to the head coach and asked if I could volunteer. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but didn’t know with schedules, old corporate jobs, the pandemic, and now being a caretaker on top of it, I could commit to. I went with my gut. And the following week I started volunteering….though I realized I haven’t interacted too much with children in a while other than occasionally playing auntie once a year to my friends’ kids. And I became extremely anxious and started to overthink it all. I really didn’t want to mess this opportunity up. But taking what I’ve learned from working with all sorts of personalities and egos within music and hospitality as well as my conversations with intoxicated bar patrons, caretaking for elderly folks, and decluttering people’s homes, maybe I should give myself a little more credit.
Life is full of challenges, but within those challenges lies the opportunity for growth. When we open our minds to new possibilities, we create space for transformation. A closed mind keeps us stagnant, while an open heart allows us to evolve into the multifaceted beings we are meant to be.
Basketball has been a part of my life since I was eight, but I didn’t play on a team until I was in 9th grade. The lessons I learned on the court—collaboration, communication, and commitment—are invaluable skills that extend into every aspect of life. More women mentors in sports can profoundly impact young girls. Reflecting on my teenage years, I wish I had more women to confide in and learn from.
Now, as I step into the role of coach to these kids, I feel this is a huge privilege. While I may not have all the answers, I aim to be a supportive presence for these future women who come to me with their questions and stories. It’s essential to create safe spaces for open dialogue, especially during their transition from childhood to young adulthood. With the Bevolution, it’s not just about the beverage and hospitality industry; it’s about creating an inviting and equitable environment for marginalized communities—women, BIPOC, nonbinary, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Our goal is to carve a pathway for the women of the future. The work we are doing now is for women past, present and future.
This week during basketball practice, the coaches all brought up the importance of communication. This is a pivotal time in these girls’ lives to find their voice and learn how to speak up beyond the game of basketball.
How can we teach future women how to find their voice and speak up?
1. Create a Safe Environment
Encourage Open Dialogue: Foster a judgment-free space for sharing thoughts.
Validate Feelings: Acknowledge their emotions and experiences.
2. Model Communication Skills
Demonstrate Effective Communication: Show clear, assertive speaking.
Share Personal Stories: Relate experiences where you spoke up.
3. Teach Assertiveness
Role-Playing: Practice speaking up in different scenarios.
Use "I" Statements: Teach expressing feelings and needs assertively.
4. Encourage Participation in Discussions
Group Activities: Facilitate discussions where every girl can share.
Debate or Discussion Clubs: Encourage involvement to articulate opinions.
5. Develop Public Speaking Skills
Public Speaking Workshops: Enhance confidence through training.
Practice Presentations: Encourage short presentations on their passions.
6. Empower Through Education
Teach Critical Thinking: Discuss current events to form opinions.
Introduce Role Models: Share stories of influential women.
7. Foster Self-Reflection
Journaling: Encourage expressing thoughts in writing.
Goal-Setting: Help set personal speaking goals.
8. Encourage Advocacy
Identify Causes: Support their advocacy for issues they care about.
Volunteer Opportunities: Involve them in supportive initiatives.
9. Provide Constructive Feedback
Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate efforts to speak up.
Constructive Criticism: Offer growth-focused feedback.
10. Encourage Peer Support
Buddy System: Pair girls for mutual encouragement.
Resource: Girls on the Run
How can male allies do their part to create safe spaces?
1. Listen and Learn
Active Listening: Listen without interrupting or offering unsolicited advice. Understand the challenges women face through their experiences.
Educate Themselves: Take the initiative to learn about gender inequality, discrimination, and systemic barriers without expecting women to do the emotional labor of educating them.
2. Challenge Misogyny and Harmful Behavior
Address Inappropriate Comments or Actions: Speak up against sexist jokes, harassment, or any discriminatory behavior in professional and social settings.
Intervene Respectfully: When witnessing harassment or microaggressions, allies should step in, either by addressing the issue directly or supporting the affected person afterward.
3. Promote Women’s Voices and Ideas
Amplify Women’s Contributions: Acknowledge and give credit to women for their ideas and achievements in meetings and collaborations.
Be Mindful of Representation: Ensure women are included in decision-making spaces and have equal opportunities to contribute.
4. Be Accountable
Reflect on Personal Behavior: Regularly assess personal biases and privilege. Be willing to accept feedback and correct mistakes without becoming defensive.
Support Organizational Policies: Advocate for policies that ensure gender equity, such as harassment prevention training, flexible work policies, and equal pay.
5. Mentorship and Sponsorship
Mentor Women: Offer guidance and support to women in navigating their careers. Be an advocate for their professional growth.
Sponsor Women: Actively champion women by recommending them for leadership roles, key projects, or networking opportunities.
6. Create Inclusive Spaces
Promote a Culture of Respect: Foster a work culture where all voices are valued, and women feel safe to speak up without fear of dismissal or retaliation.
Model Positive Behavior: Demonstrate through action what respectful, inclusive behavior looks like. Others in the organization are likely to follow suit.
7. Support Women-Led Initiatives
Show Up: Attend events, panels, or initiatives led by women, especially those focused on inclusion, diversity, or women’s empowerment.
Financial and Resource Support: Invest in or support women-owned businesses, startups, or initiatives that focus on empowering women.
8. Advocate for Systemic Change
Push for Diversity and Equity: Work within your company or industry to advocate for more women in leadership positions, equitable hiring practices, and transparent pay structures.
Engage in Policy Change: Encourage organizational changes that create safer and more equitable work environments for women and underrepresented groups.
By taking an active and consistent role, male allies can contribute to meaningful change and help foster environments where women can thrive safely and equitably.
Sources:
9 Tips for Being a Male Ally at Work - Greater Good Magazine
So, you want to be a male ally for gender equality? (And you should) - Equimundo
How Business Can Engage Men as Allies for Gender Equality - Standford Social Innovation Review
Allyship and Curiosity Drive Inclusion for People of Color at Work - Catalyist
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