HeForShe - Make your commitment

That’s the tricky thing about blind spots – we don’t know if we have them and we aren’t aware of how they may be limiting us and our ability to connect with the people around us. By acknowledging that blind spots exist and being aware of what they are, you can challenge them, change them and inspire others around you to do the same.
 

Challenge it
Challenging blind spots isn’t easy to do because many people, including you, may not be aware of them. Make a commitment to educate yourself so you are aware of your own potential blind spots. This will better equip you to help others recognise and understand potential blind spots. This type of interaction will make a lasting impact and boost additional support for the global gender equality movement. This is not a one-time effort, and it requires a lot of practice. But if you are up for it, you can help drive societal change.

Change it
By being aware of your own potential blind spots, you can make a difference by challenging them and changing how you act when you are faced with them.

They can often be difficult to recognise because they become a part of the norm in society. If we can recognise and acknowledge that societal double standards exist, then we can do something to change them and make a difference. In reality, these societal double standards are unfounded and may also keep us from reaching our full potential. By working together, we can challenge these societal double standards and change them.
 

Challenge it

It isn’t always easy to stand up and challenge a societal double standard; especially when others may not recognise it as such.  However, by exhibiting the courage to speak up for what is right, even if it is difficult, you are making a difference and helping to support gender equality.
 

Change it

Awareness is an excellent place to start. Educate yourself and those around you by becoming more aware of societal double standards. Only then will you be able to recognize them, challenge them and ultimately change them.

A diverse network can also broaden your perspective and help you, and those around you, realise your full potential. Think of all the formal and informal networks you are part of – from professional groups to your circle of friends. How diverse is your network?
 

Challenge it
Step outside of your comfort zone and join additional associations and groups that provide you with new points of view. This will not only help you grow your network, but it will also provide you and the members of your existing networks with new opportunities to grow and develop.

Change it
Broaden your network to learn from perspectives that are different from your own. There are many ways you can do this—through social media, or by simply asking a colleague to lunch. Here are a few ideas to help you get started:

• Research the networks and groups at your workplace and join those that interest you
• Invite someone new to lunch and then encourage others from your network to do the same
• Contact and invite someone new to your next networking event
• Join a local networking group (contact your HR team to get started; visit your local community centre)
• Facilitate a networking event that includes a diverse panel and range of participants

When we listen to individuals, we learn about what matters to them and the skills and perspectives they can contribute to the team. Some people tend to be more vocal so others don’t get a chance to speak. We want everyone to fully express themselves so every voice is heard. Even the quietest person in the room has a story to tell and might have a breakthrough solution.
 

Challenge it

Growing up, we often find that it’s the same people in our class that put their hand up or sit in the front of the classroom. At work, it may be the same individuals who take over meetings by talking more or interrupting others. When you see this happening, challenge it by encouraging others to speak up so they can share their thoughts and be heard. Sit in the front and center seats. And don’t shy away from putting your hand up and sharing your ideas because by doing so, you may encourage others. Your voice is a powerful tool - use it and you will see the difference you can make.

Change it
 

It’s important to encourage an inclusive environment where everyone feels like their opinion matters and their voice will be heard. Encourage those around you to speak up because every voice matters and every voice can make a change. Here are a few ways you can get started:

• Step in when you notice a colleague is being interrupted. Interject to say that you’d like to hear them finish their thought
• Ask people who speak up less to share their ideas during meetings
• Stay on alert for “stolen ideas” and look for opportunities to acknowledge the people who first proposed them.
• Watch the Aspire to Lead videos and incorporate them into your daily activities
• PwC employees, you can take the Open Minds training course and/or facilitate an Aspire to Lead workshop with your team. As a bonus, invite clients or others in your external network to join you.

Research shows that women generally come home to much more household duties than their husbands or partners. This means that women who work outside the home often have two full-time jobs. We may carry gender stereotypes that we have learned at home with us throughout our lives. It’s important to have men and women play equal roles in the household right from the start to set that standard so we can foster gender equality in all facets of society.
 

Challenge it
It can be difficult to challenge the roles that partners play in the household depending on a number of factors such as societal norms. But this doesn’t mean you can’t speak up and use your voice to bring forth today’s modern realities where some men choose to stay at home to watch the children, cook, clean and equally participate in housework so that women can also focus on their careers.
 

Change it
Once you are aware of the inequalities that exist, talk openly about how you can help your partner, parent, or sibling lead a balanced life by sharing the workload. Work together on creating an approach for childcare and housework so it doesn't all fall on one person. When you share the responsibility and work together to lead a balanced life, you are supporting a gender equal world.