Team Vagaro Speaks on Championing Diversity & Inclusion in Women's History Month

As March unfolds, bringing with it the promise of springtime and warmer days, it also marks the commencement of Women’s History Month. This year’s theme centers around remarkable women who passionately advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In our latest exploration, we had the privilege of speaking with two exceptional women who embody these principles in everything they do.

Maintaining Community Despite Social Influences

Despite the diverse backgrounds that shape each woman, a unifying sense of community and solidarity emerges solely based on their gender identity. Under patriarchal norms, women continually navigate the pressure to conform to rigid gender biases. Due to this, understanding the collective strength that women hold from shared experiences is essential.

Aviana, our Global People Operations Manager, explains:

"It is so easy to fall into the trap of comparing myself to others. Truthfully, it’s a constant struggle. But I actively work on reminding myself that there is room for everyone’s success! I strive to use the accomplishments of the women around me as inspiration and motivation for myself to move forward towards my own goals. When I feel good about myself, that positivity naturally flows out to others.”

Vee, our Imports & Onboarding Specialist, sheds light on a significant aspect, noting that "[women] are conditioned to be perfect because society views women as objects." However, she believes that fostering genuine kindness among women can be transformative in humanizing each other. Vee actively strives to authentically compliment the women around her and engage in small talk to cultivate a sense of community.

With TikTok's increasing influence on social interactions and advocacy, users have coined the term “girl’s girl” to describe a genuine advocate for women within their community.

Vee describes her idea of a “girl’s girl”:

"The way I define being a girl’s girl is celebrating ALL WOMEN. A girl's girl within a community of women can be defined as someone who actively supports, uplifts, and advocates for other women. They prioritize solidarity, empathy, and collaboration with other women, fostering a sense of sisterhood and mutual empowerment. A girl's girl is someone who celebrates the achievements of other women, offers support during challenges or hardships, and creates a safe and inclusive space where women can freely express themselves and thrive. They value authenticity, respect, and inclusivity, and they actively work towards breaking down barriers and stereotypes that may hinder women's progress. Overall, a girl's girl embodies the spirit of sisterhood and solidarity, striving to create a positive and empowering community for women.”

Vee, left and Aviana, right.

The Importance of Representation in the Workplace

Women experience corporate environments differently than their male counterparts due to the enduring stigmas and challenges that persist in organizations.

“The challenge is that women can now work at entry-level positions easily; however, they are not seen as leaders because we are too ‘emotional’, or we’re seen as not as assertive as men. We need to break the gender biases, pay discrimination, dress code double standards, and sexual harassment barriers. So, any organizations looking to foster a healthy working environment will see that, proactively, women belong in leadership roles,” Vee explains. “Women are not fairly represented in leadership.”

In fact, according to a Pew Research study, women accounted for just over 10% of all Fortune 500 CEOs in 2023. The study further revealed representation disparities often begin even earlier, with women accounting for just over 30% of college and university presidents, as of 2023. While this represents more than triple the share compared to 1986, progress has been made, but lingering gaps remain.

Additionally, there is also a further lack of racial diversity once women reach corporate settings.

Aviana shares, “I had an employee at a previous employer tell me that she hasn’t seen another Black woman leader at the company, so she just didn’t think it was achievable for her. This is why, as leaders, no matter our gender or race, we must be the ones identifying talent, starting the conversations, and letting our employees know that we think they have the potential to be a leader. We cannot always rely on employees to come to us to tell us that they want to grow in the company, because they might not think it is even a possibility.”

Being a woman in these settings is undoubtedly challenging. However, it is crucial to recognize and understand the additional struggles that come with intersectional identities. Queer women and women of color, for instance, encounter a multitude of barriers in the workplace, including discrimination, harassment, and pay disparities.

Pew Research found that “In 2022, Black women earned 70% as much as White men, and Hispanic women earned only 65% as much. The ratio for White women stood at 83%, about the same as the earnings gap overall, while Asian women were closer to parity with White men, making 93% as much.”

According to data from the Williams Institute at UCLA Law School, 46% of the LGBTQIA+ workforce have faced unfair treatment at some point in their lives, with 57% of them attributing this treatment to religious beliefs.

Vee believes that in order to counterchallenge these harsh biases and stereotypes, it all comes down to building community and being an ally to the women around you. She further explains that "women can amplify the voices of other women and marginalized groups, ensuring that their perspectives and experiences are heard and valued in discussions and decision-making processes.”

Representation in the workplace is not merely about meeting diversity quotas or checking boxes; it's about creating an inclusive environment that reflects the richness and diversity of the broader society. A lack of representation not only perpetuates stereotypes and biases but also hinders the potential for innovation and creativity within an organization.

When women are underrepresented in leadership roles, it sends a message that certain voices and perspectives are not valued at the highest levels. This not only affects the morale and motivation of current employees but also discourages aspiring individuals of diverse backgrounds from pursuing leadership positions.

Moreover, the importance of representation extends beyond gender to encompass racial and ethnic diversity. As Aviana highlights, seeing someone who looks like you in a leadership role can be a powerful catalyst for breaking down preconceived notions and inspiring others to strive for similar achievements.

The statistics on earnings gaps underscore the urgent need to address not only gender disparities but also the intersectional issues that contribute to the broader landscape of inequality.

Studies show that diverse teams lead to better decision-making and enhanced problem-solving capabilities. Organizations benefit greatly from a variety of perspectives, experiences, and approaches, which can only be achieved through genuine representation.

In essence, the importance of representation in the workplace lies in fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, heard, and empowered to contribute their unique insights. It's about dismantling barriers, challenging stereotypes, and creating a workplace that reflects the diverse backgrounds of the world outside its walls.

As Vee aptly puts it, "When one of us wins, we all win" — emphasizing the collective benefits that come from a workplace that prioritizes and celebrates diversity in all its forms.

Advocacy in this Socio-political Climate

Although social media has fostered a global connection amongst women and their shared experiences that transcend geographical borders, it has also played a role as a platform where dangerous subcultures have the potential to grow.

Recent research even suggests TikTok’s algorithm is increasingly exposing young male audiences to “extreme misogynistic” content, a concerning trend identified by researchers cited in The Guardian.

So, amid these barriers, genuinely advocating for women becomes a complex task, requiring a genuine understanding of an individual’s intentions behind their rhetoric. Vee emphasizes that “The most effective way to start promoting change is to acknowledge the diverse minds of women and individuals, helping educate and inform those who may not understand that women, too, deserve the same opportunities as men.”

She goes on to highlight the importance of allyship and fostering an inclusive environment: “Encouraging individuals to use inclusive language and behavior that respects and values all genders is paramount. This involves avoiding gender stereotypes and assumptions, employing gender-neutral language when possible, and actively listening to and respecting diverse perspectives. Creating opportunities for open and respectful dialogue about gender biases and women's rights is crucial. This encourages individuals to engage in constructive conversations where diverse perspectives are not only heard but also valued, fostering collective action for positive change.”

Navigating the complexities of genuine advocacy for women amidst modern challenges requires acknowledging diverse perspectives, educating those unfamiliar with the equality women seek, and fostering inclusive environments. As Vee passionately emphasizes, promoting genuine change involves encouraging inclusive language, challenging stereotypes, and actively engaging in open dialogues about gender biases and women's rights. It's through these collective efforts that a community of allies can emerge, contributing to a workplace and society that values and celebrates the diverse experiences and contributions of all individuals, regardless of gender.