As we take the time to celebrate the incredible contributions of women throughout history during Women’s History Month, it’s also a good moment to look around at the women currently fighting to be taken seriously, gain equality, and earn well-deserved respect in spaces still dominated by sexism and discrimination.
If the latest #OscarsSoMale season is any indicator, representation remains seriously lacking in many fields. According to a report from the Center for American Progress, women have outnumbered men on college campuses since 1988, but still makeup only 5 to 20 percent of the top leadership positions in fields such as law, medicine, and business. And while the number of female elected officials is at an all-time high, the percentage of women in the House and Senate hovers around 25 percent (which isn’t quite representative of half the U.S. population).
While I’m sure that while we can all agree that progress is necessary, the process of pushing your way into these male-dominated spaces can feel exhausting, if not impossible! For all the girls out there on the front lines, don’t give up! Here are four tips on how to feel more energized and empowered in male-dominated industries as you navigate presentations, meetings, interviews, and the dreaded office Christmas party.