Women globally earn about 37% less than men in similar roles according to the World Economic Forum. 51% of the population are women, yet we receive only 2.2% of the world’s capital.
There are more men named Michael in leadership positions across Canada than women! Not surprisingly, only 19% of C-suite executives are women.
The Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated gender inequality with more women losing their jobs and shouldering the majority of the housework, care-giving, and homeschooling responsibilities. It will now take an extra 36 years for women and men to reach parity, extending the time estimate to 135.6 years.
My purpose in life is to help close the gender confidence gap and to accelerate equality in the tech industry by empowering women through coaching.
What can you do to help? Start a Lean In Circle to fight bias and to support like-minded women reach their professional goals. Inspired by the Lean In book written by Sheryl Sandberg, the female COO of Facebook, Lean In Circles have formed all over the world. Circles are safe spaces to share your struggles, give and get advice, and celebrate each other’s wins.
In October 2021, I co-founded a Lean In Circle to support mothers in leadership positions in Vancouver. We have focused on developing our leadership style, uncovering and leveraging our strengths, learning to delegate more, and using economic principles to enhance our well-being. At the end of each monthly meeting, we empower each other to come up with an action item to complete before our next meeting. The Circle keep us accountable to our personal and professional goals.
You have the power to accelerate gender equality by supporting women. The world desperately needs more women in leadership, and it’s about time we are paid equally for our work.
Please don’t wait – do your part and take action today!
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Are you interested in starting your own Lean In Circle? Join the next Circle Leader Training session
