Accepting Assertive People

As a professional woman finding my voice has been a struggle. Many times I have had the right words, knew what the answer was, but because of my gender was overlooked, mocked, or quite simply ignored. Several women, hundreds of women have gone before me, have shattered the glass ceiling, and have accomplished their dreams. Yet their legacy fades quickly, their accomplishments attributed to an overbearing woman.

Knowing what to say and how to say something are only two parts of the triangle of communication. Understanding that gender has a large impact on how words are received is the third part. Sadly, in 2021, the gender of the person delivering the message directly impacts how the message is received, the reaction of the crowd. Brief, direct communications delivered by a female lead to eye rolls, questions of what made her mad flicker through the audience, instead of awe and wonder at the bravery it took to say what needed to be said.

We live in a time where gender roles are being questioned more than ever before. Rather than looking at gender when assigning chores, jobs, and duties, the capabilities of the person are being examined or at least questioned. People are beginning to realize pink is simply a color, and a GI Joe is just another doll. Yet as barriers are crossed at home and in the toy department, barriers are remaining in place in the professional world.

Ask yourself, how balanced is your local city government? Are there equal numbers of men and women serving? What about your local school board, church vestry? More and more we speak about gender equality, we say we are working towards gender equality, but the reality is words are spoken more than actions are taken.

Behind closed doors, assertive women are still referred to by derogatory names. Those who refuse to follow the status quo are labeled and pushed out. Hate crimes continue, people feel the right to discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual orientation. If we are living in a modern world if we are more advanced than our ancestors, then why do our official roles continue to look the same? Why is it acceptable to ask a woman what is for dinner, but not a man? Perhaps this question is too simple, but it clearly illustrates the differences which continue to thrive despite the words spoken.

I am not bashing any one group, rather, I am challenging all groups to become assertive, to thrive where they are, and to show the world your true capabilities. Stop spreading lies and rumors, stop being petty, and taking the common road. Push yourself, take the high road, dare yourself to grow. You just may be shocked to learn who you will meet.

Sincerely,

Sara