7 Strategies to Spark Women’s History Month Conversations and Foster Gender Inclusion in Your Organization

As Women’s History Month approaches, organizations worldwide are gearing up to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women throughout history. If you or your organization haven’t yet planned a Women’s History Month celebration, fear not! There’s still time to engage in meaningful discussions and foster gender inclusion within your workplace community.

Here are 7 effective strategies to kick-start the conversation and rally allies in support of gender equality:

1. Women in the Workplace Report: Dive into resources like McKinsey & Company’s annual report on gender bias, pay gaps, and representation disparities. Share this valuable tool with your organization and gather for ally-driven discussions. Explore questions like “What does this mean for us?” and “What actionable steps can we take to address these disparities?”
2. Gender-Inclusive Leadership Panel: If hiring external speakers isn’t feasible, leverage the talent within your organization. Bring together a diverse group of individuals from different departments and backgrounds for a panel discussion. Encourage dialogue by posing questions such as “Describe your career journey” and “How can we collectively overcome barriers to gender inclusion?”
3. Lunch and Learn Sessions: Unite your team by hosting lunch and learn sessions where you watch a video or webinar together. Engage with thought-provoking TED Talks by renowned speakers like Brené Brown, Kimberlé Crenshaw, and Loretta J. Ross. Use these sessions as catalysts for meaningful discussions on gender equality and diversity.
4. Book Club Discussions: Select from a plethora of women’s leadership reads such as “Bias Interrupters,” “Good Guys,” and “Inclusion on Purpose.” Craft a book summary and discussion questions to facilitate dialogue and drive positive change within your organization.
5. Podcast Discussions: Encourage your team to listen to podcasts focused on gender equality and diversity, such as “HBR Women at Work,” “A Will to Change,” and “Diversity Pivot.” Host follow-up discussions to explore key takeaways and actionable insights.
6. Establish Clear Expectations: Ensure psychological safety in discussions by establishing clear ground rules and boundaries. Encourage behaviors such as staying curious, sharing feedback openly and respectfully, fostering a culture of listening and learning, and inviting allies to join the conversation.
7. Engage Non-Obvious Allies: Reach out to individuals in the dominant group, particularly those who may not yet fully understand the importance of gender inclusion. Invite them to participate in celebrations and programs, emphasizing the significance of their involvement in driving systemic change.

As you embark on these conversations, remember to focus on impact over perfection. Embrace the concept of “progress over perfection” and provide space and grace for allies who may stumble along the way. Celebrate Women’s History Month not just in March but year-round, and continue to spark discussions that promote gender equality and inclusion within your organization.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a more inclusive workplace where all individuals are empowered to thrive, regardless of gender. Let’s make Women’s History Month a time of reflection, action, and progress towards a more equitable future.