IWD22: Digital can help break the bias

“For women who spend all their hours doing unpaid work, the chores of the day kill the dreams of a lifetime.” Melinda French Gates‘ words sound dramatic, but they’re sadly powerfully true.

Straight up, I’m embarrassed to say how limited my awareness was of the ingrained, systemic issues preventing women from being their best, even in a privileged society like Australia. I didn’t see the ‘invisible’ prejudice because it wasn’t my experience — and that’s not good enough.

But I’ve since taken that embarrassment and now use it as motivation to make equality more visible, to listen more purposefully, and to start conversations with other men. I’m not naïve enough to think I’ll change the world, but as a man I can still play a role addressing this injustice. We all have a part to play.

So, rather than using this platform to make one-off statements, I want to do three things:

1. Encourage the men in my network. Let tomorrow — and every other day — be an opportunity to listen and learn more about the often ‘invisible’ factors impacting the choices women have in our world. And make a conscious choice to be part of the group that helps break these down — I’d love to chat with you if you share my passion.

2. Recognise some amazing women. I’m incredibly grateful to have a fair few role models in my own life. Gemma for your brilliance. Shirley for your wisdom. Sarah for your courage. Enjel for your belief. Melissa for your generosity. Alicia and Leesa for your unwavering encouragement. I want my girls to enjoy a future led by wonderful examples like yourselves — thank you.

3. Help women share their story online. One of my great joys is working with incredible women leaders in helping them build and harness their digital reputations. The digital world can break through barriers the physical world put there, and it’s amazing to see amazing leaders find their voice, confidence and influence online. I’d love to help other women leaders whose stories need to be heard. If you or someone you know has a great story to tell, please get in touch if you’d like to talk about how we can help do that without cost being a barrier.

Tomorrow is an important day in our calendars, and men are not left out.

If nothing else, I’d encourage you to hold your thoughts, listen deeply, then reconsider the realities facing women everywhere today. It will change your perspective because, in the words of Melinda Gates again:

“That’s what listening does. It opens you up. It draws out your love.”