CAMPAIGN WEEK: Ban Bossy

When a little boy asserts himself, he’s called a “leader.” Yet when a little girl does the same, she risks being branded “bossy.” Words like bossy send a message: don’t raise your hand or speak up. By middle school, girls are less interested in leading than boys—a trend that continues into adulthood. Together we can encourage girls to lead – BAN BOSSY

BAN BOSSY is a campaign developed by Sheryl Sandberg as a part of the LeanIn circle. Ban Bossy addresses the issue of gender inequality in leadership among younger girls – girls who are at an age that is so incremental to their self-development and leadership potential. Ban Bossy was a great source of inspiration for CONF DENCE #ICloseTheGap; see the campaign video below:

It has however been criticized for being too glamorous using Hollywood stars and also featuring promotions from famous female models. It is great to get celebrities on board with such an important issue however we need to make sure we are championing strong, independent female leaders. That is why CONF DENCE #ICloseTheGap takes a business perspective on the issue of confidence. We aim to encourage young women to take the lead by inspiring them with strong business leaders.

Having said that, Ban Bossy is a fantastic campaign and is evidently more effective at targeting the issue at a younger age.  My only recommendation would be to increase the number of business leaders in the Ban Bossy campaign like the following:

Tell us what you think of Ban Bossy below!

.LM.

CAMPAIGN WEEK: Chime for Change

This week #ICloseTheGap will be reviewing campaigns based on gender equality, leadership and women in business. These campaigns are a great source personal inspiration and I have no doubt that you will be inspired by them too!

In honor of #DayOfTheGirl on October 11, I will begin with CHIME FOR CHANGE.

In 2013, Global Citizen and CHIME FOR CHANGE joined forces to campaign for gender equality. CHIME FOR CHANGE is a global campaign to convene, unite and strengthen the voices speaking out for girls and women around the world.

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Three years later, the power and passion of the CHIME FOR CHANGE community continues to inspire, from corporate leaders and foundations, to non-profit organizations working on the ground, to individuals lending their voices and support. The campaign is empowering people with a voice to tell world leaders to put gender equality and women’s economic empowerment at the top of their agenda.

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Watch the campaign video below: 

You can join Global Citizen and CHIME FOR CHANGE, as they partner with incredible public support from world leaders to CHIME FOR CHANGE Co-Founders Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Salma Hayek Pinault to global citizens like you. They, along with an incredible list of global supporters of women, are speaking out in the powerful video above.

Would you CHIME for education, health, and justice for every girl and every woman everywhere?

#ICloseTheGap

.LM.

Inspirational Women In Business – Elizabeth Broderick

In her position as Australia’s Sex Discrimination Commissioner, Elizabeth Broderick, has been and continues to be champion of gender equality both in Australia and internationally.

Broderick has been committed to improving gender equality through her advocacy in preventing violence against women and sexual harassment, improving lifetime economic security for women, balancing paid work and unpaid caring responsibilities, promoting women’s representation in leadership and strengthening gender equality laws.

She is a passionate advocate for women’s representation in leadership and the strengthening of gender equality laws.

An article by the university of Sydney indicates that one of Broderick’s greatest contributions has been to shift the discourse on gender equality and women’s leadership in Australia by helping others understand that these issues are not women’s issues, they are leadership issues. I had the pleasure of hearing her speak on the topic of gender equality and women in leadership at a university event. Ever since that speech she has continued to be a large source of personal inspiration.

In 2014, Broderick was awarded the women of influence award which she explains; “not only lifts the visibility of female leaders, but provides a critical platform for women to expand their influence – and in so doing creates a more gender equal Australia”

In this speech, published by AFR, she gives some critical advice:

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She indicates that “I have learnt that as a woman of influence I must have a strong belief in myself; that it is as vital for women to be powerful and influential as it is for men”.

She gives 9 critical pieces of advice to women:

1. Meet people where they’re at – acknowledge each individual’s contribution to the existing structures and systems before you seek to change them
2. Listen to learn
3. Have a deep and abiding belief in equality
4. Place respect and dignity at the core of every interaction
5. Engage others through both the head and the heart
6. Navigate hostile situations with compassion and respect
7. Share the stories and lived experiences of women with those who have the capacity to create change
8. Find courage
9. And finally, always remember that progress does not come in one giant leap but rather in many small intentional steps.

Broderick concluded her speech with her vision for the future:

“I will use my influence to create an Australia that welcomes women, that cherishes their voice and eagerly awaits their wisdom. I will use my influence to create a world where a woman’s value does not decrease because of another’s inability to see her worth.  A world where vulnerability is power, where difference is celebrated, where those who struggle are supported, where leadership is shared equally between men and women and where each half of humanity embraces and supports the other.

How will you use yours?”

– Elizabeth Broderick

#ICloseTheGap

.LM.