Dr. Alicia Michelle S.’s Post

Dear Women Who Empower Chronicle Reader, As we approach another pivotal moment in history, the landscape for women's empowerment and leadership has never been more critical or promising. The upcoming race, with Vice President Kamala Harris as a prominent figure, is not just another election—it is a defining moment that reflects the strides women have made and the challenges that still lie ahead. Vice President Harris represents more than just a candidate; she embodies the resilience, strength, and leadership women have fought for decades to attain. Her journey to the Vice Presidency has shattered countless glass ceilings, inspiring women from all walks of life to pursue their ambitions without hesitation. But as we celebrate these achievements, we must also acknowledge this election's profound stakes for women everywhere. On The Cover Women In Tech Traci Campbell talks about one barrier that has yet to change: the inclusion of women in key decision-making roles. That was when I came out of college, and throughout my career, I had to fight to get to certain positions. I was fortunate enough to have experienced some of the dot-com era. In Austin, Texas, I was able to work with a startup company as a director of quality assurance and software testing. That was only because I paid my dues at IBM as a consultant. I met men who were also Black and Brown, and they held higher positions. So they said, Hey, we're going to help this sister come across and get some opportunities. And so when they started up a dot-com startup, they said, Hey, we need you to head up quality assurance. Get Up, Stand Up! The lyrics of Bob Marley's song "Get Up, Stand Up" deeply resonate with me. I recently faced a challenging situation during a hotel stay. I had to advocate persistently to first attempt to get the management to provide the ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act]-accessible accommodations they had promised me. Then, when they did not offer sufficient accommodations, I had to fight to receive the refund I rightfully deserved. It is crucial to be a strong self-advocate in these situations. Being proactive in addressing obstacles that impact you negatively and actively seeking out solutions to overcome any accessibility barriers is essential. This September issue of The Women Who Empower Chronicle offers more inspiration, empowerment, guidance, real-life stories, philanthropic initiatives, fresh perspectives, and encouragement. Not already subscribed to The Women Who Empower Chronicle but still want to receive this quarterly issue? Find out how to get your hands on it at https://lnkd.in/g_GGca-7 Sincerely, The Women Who Empower Chronicle Team Click to view the entire chronicle… https://lnkd.in/g_GGca-7

"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." – Michelle Obama These words have always inspired me. But they also prompt reflection on the unspoken battles women face; at home, at work & within society at large. A few days ago, I attended a family gathering celebrating a child’s first birthday. Ironically, I arrived fresh from working on a proposal aimed at improving women’s lives and agency. The contrast between my work focus and the societal narratives that unfolded during the gathering wasn’t lost on me. At one point, the conversation veered toward how some mothers, relying heavily on help, were “falling short” in their parenting. There was an insinuation that the appearance or behavior of their children reflected their inadequacies as mothers. One comment stayed with me: a casual remark that relying on help meant these women weren’t doing “enough.” It wasn’t meant to be harsh or critical, but it highlighted a deeper truth: the immense societal expectations placed on women. Why do we do this to each other? Why do we assume we know what another woman is going through or what her journey looks like? This wasn’t just about one gathering; it’s a reflection of a broader reality. Women’s lives are constantly scrutinized. A mother is judged not only for what she does but also for what she delegates. A career-oriented woman is questioned about her choices, her priorities, and her timelines. Even in my own life, I feel these pressures. As a woman in my 30s focused on building a career, I’ve often been asked, “When will you start a family?” or told, “Don’t wait too long; you’ll regret it.” These comments trigger an inner dialogue: Am I prioritizing the right things? Should I be doing something differently? Am I, in some way, falling short? The irony deepens when I think about how women like me, who work in public health and development, dedicate our efforts to advancing women’s rights, only to return to spaces that question those very rights. At work, women often go the extra mile to prove themselves, to assert their worth in environments that don’t always acknowledge their contributions. Yet, we are still expected to excel at everything else. What I’ve come to realize is this: the battle isn’t just external. It’s internal. It’s that voice in your head constantly asking if you’re doing enough, being enough, achieving enough. And it’s the world around us that perpetuates that voice, reinforcing those doubts. I’m reminded of Maya Angelou’s words: “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” This is a truth I hold on to, especially on days when the weight of expectations feels overwhelming. So, to every woman navigating these unspoken pressures; whether at home, at work, or within herself; I want to say this: You are enough ! Whether you’re building a career, raising a family, or charting your own path, your choices are valid as the standard you set for yourself is the only one that truly matters.

Can you help: Looking for the views of women aged 20-30 in London. Survey: https://lnkd.in/e6nbjFX7 I wanted to introduce Aneita Lewis, she is one of the women who is on the Smallwood Trust Board shadowing programme. Having completed her degree this year she has great ambitions for the future. One of these is to support other women enter into professional spaces. She has developed a survey which she would be grateful if you can pass through your networks to women in London aged 20-30 – the more feedback she has the better she will be enabled to think through next steps. So please find below more details from her below! Survey: https://lnkd.in/e6nbjFX7   ************************   Hello, I’m Aneita! After spending 16 years working in the NHS, I took a bold leap during the pandemic, resigned, and went to uni. Fast forward to this September—I graduated with a first-class degree in Psychosocial Community Work from the University of East London (woohoo!). Now, I’m working as the Admin and Operations Lead for a charity, and in my spare time, I volunteer with Beyond the Streets.    Oh, and did I mention I’m a single mum to an 11yr old daughter and I have a big heart for social justice and women’s rights? That’s why I’m motivated to start a project that’s all about helping and empowering women.    I am exploring an idea that would provide women aged 20-30 with access to buildings/office/meeting room environments. The aim is to offer mentorship, professional development, networking opportunities, and career exposure in spaces that they might not otherwise experience. To better understand the needs and challenges faced by women, I am looking for women aged 20-30 to fill in the following survey: https://lnkd.in/e6nbjFX7 The feedback from the survey will support the development of a pilot program with a small group of women to test the concept. The survey will take under 10 mins to complete, there is an option to remain anonymous or provide a contact email if interested to attend a future pilot programme. once the data has be aggregated and analysed all data will be deleted. Deadline for completion is 28th October 2024: https://lnkd.in/e6nbjFX7

A couple of times a week, I am lucky enough to gather female entrepreneurs seeking community for various reasons. I get to connect with 100 or more brilliant souls, and watch their connections and businesses grow. As the founder, I see St Pete Girl Boss as a sacred role. An organization created to hold space for each other. Our work and our gender bring us together through a collective identity, but the bonds that keep our numbers steadily growing and inspire passionate advocates for the group are beyond business and surface female assumptions. This is what they tell me, and what I’ve seen: They love this community because we all have had a woman in America experience, and we want better. Some have the experiences as a woman of color. Or a queer woman Or a disabled woman, including those with ADHD or autism or physical disabilities… In which case, safety or seats at table are few and far between, let alone leadership roles or mentorships. They love this community because we are as we are. All of the surface stuff is not how we do. Transactional is not who we are, so I haven’t designed this to be a networking experience like that. This begs the question: why are spaces exclusive to women so needed in business? And why do they bother some people? I get asked that a lot, “why do you need to cultivate something exclusionary?” I have a much longer blog post about this, but basically: Because. Because for too long, systems that serve nearly none of us have created competition through imagined scarcity. That there was one best thing and you had to fight your sisters for it. And you needed your daddy to make sure it was okay. And women were weaker and not allowed to do men’s things. As a result, women have been reduced generationally to the unpaid labor we can provide, whether literally laboring to birth humans or other things like homemaking and child rearing, or underpaid through traditional caregiving roles (child care, domestic roles, service roles). This has created a deep sense that we are not worthy or imposter syndrome that naturally comes in when women try to fit into spaces not designed for us. It doesn’t feel like it’s for us… but it’s not our fault. Yet, we somehow subconsciously feel it is. We need collaborative spaces. Because collectively, we elevate. We mentor, we support, we refer, we commiserate. We need to rebuild systems not built with us in mind. Given the relational nature of women, the need for specific resources and faces and experiences like our own, brave, women-only spaces just make sense. It’s funny, I wasn’t sure if I’d use my years of experience in culture setting and listening and collaboration when I left the classroom, but it turns out that grown ups needs those things too: places that meet then where they are and provide them with what they need for where they’re going. How lucky am I that I have seven thousand or so other women that want to be here with me?

I just want to give a huge shout-out to all the amazing, incredible women that I am connected with, that I follow, and that I hope to connect with. As I scroll through my feed, I am constantly shown women who, when faced with adversity, step up. They not only created their own table, they made space for other women at that table. They inspire, support, and cheer on other women. 👏 Women who were discriminated against for pregnancy are creating companies with policies to protect and support working moms. 👏 Women discriminated against for the color of their skin have created companies celebrating diversity. 👏 Women who have been discriminated against for having disabilities are creating companies with policies that shine a light on the beauty in everyone's differences. 👏 Women who are underrepresented in certain fields creating companies, programs, and mentoring other women and young girls. Showing them it is possible for them to achieve greatness. 👏 Women are stepping into leadership positions, pushing boundaries, making changes, taking a stand and truly paving the way for others. Women are showing up and showing out, and I am here for it! I see you and I appreciate you. Here are some stats that I found: 'Women now make up more than half of the college-educated workforce in the U.S., a significant shift that occurred around the fourth quarter of 2019.' 'As of November 2023, about a third of workers in the country's ten highest-paying occupations are women, up from just 13% in 1980. This includes roles typically earning over $100,000 a year such as physicians, lawyers, and dentists.' 'As of 2023, women constituted 28% of U.S. congressional members and around a third of state legislators. 'Additionally, 11% of Fortune 500 company CEOs are women, and women hold 30% of Fortune 500 board member positions.'

*The Unrecognized Sacrifices of Women in Society Building* Women have always played a vital role in building and nurturing societies, often at the cost of their own aspirations and well-being. Despite their significant contributions, their sacrifices often go unrecognized and unappreciated. - Unpaid Caregiving: Women bear the burden of caregiving for children, elderly, and family members, sacrificing their own career advancement and financial stability. - Emotional Labor: Women are expected to manage emotions, provide emotional support, and maintain relationships, often at the expense of their own emotional well-being. - Domestic Work: Women disproportionately perform household chores, sacrificing leisure time and personal interests. - Career Compromises: Women often prioritize family over career goals, sacrificing promotions, opportunities, and financial growth. - Social Expectations: Women conform to societal norms, suppressing their own desires and aspirations to fulfill traditional gender roles. Conclusion, women's sacrifices and contributions to society have often gone unrecognized and unappreciated. However, their impact on shaping the world and inspiring future generations is immeasurable. From suffragettes to caregivers, activists to innovators, women have proven themselves to be heroes in every sense of the word. Their dedication, perseverance, and resilience have created a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and empower others. By recognizing and celebrating their achievements, we can work towards a more equitable and just society where women's contributions are valued and recognized.

WOMEN’S MONTH - WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN?   We see institutions - both public and private - setting targets for employment equity’s sake, yet we see no real transformation in the way institutions are described, are measured or are expected to perform in a meaningful manner. We hear the same slogans during every women’s month - stop the violence against women and girl children! Empower women for executive positions! Give women power over their own lives!   The stark reality is: ●     40% of women will be raped in their lifetime with a conviction rate of only 14%. ●     53 500 persons self-reported as victims of sexual violence in 2022/2023 financial year. 80% of these were rapes - and these are only the reported rapes. ●     Only 7 of the top 100 JSE-listed companies are headed by women. Between 2020-2022 of the 208 new appointments made in senior management positions at JSE-listed companies, 25% were women. When women are appointed, 60% of these appointments are internal. ●     Of the 14 major parties contesting the 2024 elections, now represented in Parliament, only 1 was women-led. ●     14 of the 32 appointed ministers are women. They lead in ministries such as Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities; Water and Sanitation; Transport; Tourism; Social Development; Human Settlements and Higher Education. Most notably is the appointment of a woman to lead the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.   These are, however, only numbers and have little meaning if no real change or societal transformation ensues. We may ask ourselves how do we lead social transformation as women? Do we engage in the difficult conversations around ethnicity, culture, leadership and being a woman?   Women’s month places an emphasis on women's issues - but they are not only women’s issues. Women are leaders, mothers, fighters, daughters, sisters, friends, allies - women are a multitude of social identities and by emphasising one descriptor of an identity (i.e. number of women) means negating the rich and meaningful conversation which could lead to transformational change. So should we celebrate another woman chosen for a top leadership position. Yes, we should. At the same time we should courageously engage in how her appointment creates a space for a multitude of other(ed) identities to manifest.   Celebrate women’s month and celebrate that the diversity within and around women necessitates courageous women to not only shout oppression but critically reflect how their shouting to break the system is taking place in the narrative that upholds that system.   View more details below: https://lnkd.in/dh-uRNZc https://lnkd.in/d8hWXU3x https://lnkd.in/g5r_HcZy #WomensMonth #WomenSupportingWomen #GenderEquality #WomensRights

It's time to recognize who our co-workers truly are! While I admit, I bear some bias on the topic at hand being childless and having a passion for animal rescue, the facts presented below also indicate I am, in no way, a minority in today's workforce! #womeninbusiness #womensupportingwomen

Women play a vital role in today's society for various reasons across economic, political, social, familial, and community spheres: Economic Participation:  Women contribute significantly to the economy through their participation in the workforce. Their involvement spans various industries and sectors, from technology and finance to healthcare and education. Women the workforce encourages innovation, creativity, and better decision-making. Additionally, empowering women economically leads to economic growth by increasing household incomes, driving consumer spending, and promoting entrepreneurship. Political and Social Relevance: Women's participation in politics and decision-making processes is crucial for ensuring diverse perspectives are represented and heard. When women hold positions of power in government, they advocate for policies that address gender inequality, promote social justice, and enhance the well-being of communities. Women's activism and advocacy play a vital role in advancing social movements, including those related to gender equality, human rights, environmental sustainability, and peacebuilding. Family and Community: Women often serve as the primary caregivers within families, playing essential roles in nurturing and raising children, maintaining household well-being, and providing emotional support. Additionally, women contribute to community development through volunteer work, civic engagement, and grassroots initiatives. Their involvement in community organizations, nonprofits, and philanthropic endeavors strengthens social cohesion, fosters empathy, and addresses the needs of marginalized populations. The importance of women in today's society cannot be overstated. Their contributions are essential for achieving sustainable development, creating inclusive societies, and promoting equality. Join Meridian Remote Teams and empower women today! #meridianremoteteams #remotework #remoteworkers #women #womanpower

Voted for me yet as the Entrepreneur of Impact? For context, I’ve been nominated, and every vote counts every day. Yes, voting daily is what will help me rise to the top and win this! In an industry where women are often overlooked, we’ve partnered with manufacturers and created disability kits. We’ve also led initiatives that help companies reduce their carbon footprints, embrace greener practices, and keep breaking barriers. This isn’t just about me. ✔️ You’re voting to uplift underrepresented groups. ✔️ You’re voting to open doors of opportunity and foster economic growth. Winning this award will allow us to launch a workforce development program that will empower marginalized communities and single parents to build brighter futures. Vote here every day and help move me closer to making a real impact: 👉 https://zurl.co/KbEvr #TeamISP #WomenInBusiness #EntrepreneurOfImpact #DiversityMatters #Sustainability #CommunityPower