“Black women are significantly underrepresented in leadership roles. 49% of black women feel that their race or ethnicity makes it harder for them to get a raise or promotion.”
When you are a woman of color, especially black, it mostly means that you are the only one in the room. Your successes and rules of achievement are different than they are for your white counterparts. As per a report by AAUW, black women make up only 8% of the workforce and only 1.5% of the leadership roles.
So, where is this difference? Why is there a huge lag in the statistics when it comes to black women in the corporate world? Why are the rules different for them? Aren’t they working as hard as the others? Aren’t they the ones who are handed glass-cliff assignments, but they still make sure they ace them all? Aren’t they speaking up for their rights and against the double bias of being a woman and of a different race as well? They are. Every black woman, in whichever capacity available, is trying her best to get herself noticed – be seen and heard – in her workplace. However, her efforts to be seen and heard are too often construed as the stereotypical black woman. Today, I want to discuss a few ways through which black women can ensure they are not only seen but heard and noticed in their workplaces as well.
Be Yourself
Yes, what more? Women of color, out of necessity, must wear this imaginary mask to hide their identity. A report by the Center for Women Policy revealed that nearly 21% of women of color believe that they cannot be themselves at work. Up to 44% of them have to tone down their ethnicity and race so they can get more recognition and appreciation.
The key to being noticed as a black woman is to be who you are. Do not downplay your identity and authenticity. It might take some time, but if you want to change the dialogue about being a black woman in your workplace, stop hiding behind this mask that protects you. Bring the actual issues out while being the best version of yourself.
Find Comfort In Discomfort
Every woman of color, not just black women, are uncomfortable at their workplaces a lot of the time, if not the most. There is a lack of representation, diversity, retention, and inclusion. As you move to the top, there will be fewer women belonging to your race. However, you need to find solace in it and take advantage of your discomfort.
Take comfort in being uncomfortable and prepare yourself for whatever the situation may be. Get used to challenging tasks, no matter how uncomfortable they make you. Let your success make the noise, as they say!
Show Up
As a black woman in the workplace, there will be a lot of times when you would be tempted to not take a stand, take a backseat, or stop showing up at all. I acknowledge that for a lot of us the challenges can be so much that we may think of even resigning. Despite it, all, now more than ever, with the change that is seeping in the corporate world, do a conscious effort to show up even when you don’t want to. When you persevere, show up, and showcase your best efforts, you won’t go unnoticed. You won’t only pave a way for yourself, but a lot of other women of color as well.
Start & Lead The Conversation
Black women are definitely leading the conversations of change. But still, there is a need to sustain these conversations. So, those who aren’t in the room and not at the table, seldom appreciated and acknowledged, should find their chances and opportunities to enter the room.
Just being where you are isn’t enough. You have to claim your space. Enter the room, sit at the table, move to the front row. Assert yourself. I acknowledge that it is difficult, but it will make a world of a difference for you and other black women’s success when you allow the conversations involving people of color to start and lead them to the end.
Don’t Give In To Stereotypes
The ‘angry black woman’ stereotype is a preconceived notion among many others against the black woman. Unfortunately, it is also one of those biased images that won’t be going away anytime soon. The most effective way to get rid of this as your identity staple and to ensure that you are seen, heard, and noticed is to act the exact opposite of what people expect from you.
Your consistent actions and positive behavior will be a testament to this stereotype. Many times, being called something you are not, will cause discomfort, anger, and extreme emotions in you. Do not let these stereotypes get the best of you and let your positive actions, activism, and work cause a change for you and others.
“As a black woman, you will have to work twice as hard to have half of what the others have. But do not stop. This is your time to create a change because, after decades, the ripple effect has started. If you raise your voice, ten other people will be enticed to do the same. If you want to be noticed and get the attention you deserve, it is your time to be dauntless about everything you do!”