“Women in America have to face many obstacles in their workplace. But when we talk about ‘women’ we often forget that not all women have shared difficulties. Black and other women of color have it harder. Their race and ethnicity on top of their color is supposedly an added disadvantage.”
Even though we are progressing as a society, there is no qualm in saying that women have it harder. This is the reality. But women of color have it the hardest, particularly black women. The challenges in their way are more difficult to overcome when compared to those by white women. So, how can white women become better allies? How can they support their black counterparts in their struggle for equality, equity, and inclusion?
Here are some things that white women can do to help black women in their quest for equal workplace rights:
DO NOT GIVE INTO WHITE PRIVILEGE
Peggy McIntosh in her paper, White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack writes:
“As a white person, I realized I had been taught about racism as something that puts others at a disadvantage but had been taught not to see one of its corollary aspects, white privilege, which puts me at an advantage.”
She further goes on to elaborate how as a white woman you are never asked to represent your entire racial group, feel out of place, isolated, outnumbered, feared, or unheard. She also explains how if something bad happens white women do not have to question it as a result of racial overtones. As a white woman, you need to remember this description always. You can’t let go of the privilege that has been given to you by society itself, but you can realize that your privilege should not put black women in a disadvantaged position. Use this authority and power to help black women who do not possess authority of their own and help them be seen, noticed, and heard.
DO NOT FORCE WHITE CULTURAL NORMS
We all know about the angry black woman stereotype and how it has prevented many black women from speaking for their rights because they fear they will come out as aggressive. Many black females report that their white counterparts recommend them to adjust their style, appearance, behavior, language, and how they conduct themselves to fit into the white company culture. They must change themselves to fit into the workplace.
Do not force Black women to conform to white cultural norms. They have their own identity, way of speaking, appearance, style of dressing, and how they carry themselves. As a white woman, you should be an ally and support them to end this enforcement of these white norms. Support them to be their true, authentic selves and put an end to shaming whenever the need be.
ALLOW BLACK WOMEN TO NETWORK
Almost 40% of Black professional women claim that they lack access to the company’s informal networks. This results in an impairment in their career advancement. If your company’s social gatherings, informal networks, and employee resource groups do not make black women feel welcomed then they aren’t inclusive.
As a white woman, you can ensure that the lack of opportunities does not hinder the career progression of black women. Invite them to these gatherings, make them feel comfortable, advocate for them, hold special meetings for them where they can let themselves loose, and talk about ways in which you and the other employees can support them better.
CALL OUT RACIAL GASLIGHTING & MICROAGGRESSIONS
Black women experience racial gaslighting and microaggressions in their workplace on a daily basis. If inappropriate remarks or anything that a black woman does is gaslighted in your presence, call it out for what it is. Then discuss it with the relevant people to enlist help from the senior management. The chances are that the perpetrator here would term it as a joke and said that the receiver didn’t understand their sense of humor. Or the perpetrator will claim to be the victim as opposed to the aggressor in the situation.
Do not let this slide, because this is how racial gaslighting and microaggressions develop. Whenever possible, interrupt these conversations. You can’t always prevent them, but you can certainly play your part in making sure they do not happen to black women around you.