Hey loves! It’s #EniGivenSunday so I’m back with another blog post. Lately I’ve been super grateful for all of the women in my life who take the time to support and empower me since I’ve started this blogging endeavor. Today’s short and sweet post shares 3 easy ways to empower women in your life.
Collaborate Instead of Compete
Women already face so many stereotypes when it comes to cattiness and pettiness. Social media makes it way too easy to be jealous and envious. Instead of supporting one another, we throw shade. How often do we play into the #WhoWoreItBest game on the shade room? It’s crazy to me that we’ll create a heightened sense of competition among ourselves when there aren’t even enough women at the table to begin with! In pop culture we see it with Cardi B and Nicki Minaj. I’m definitely not looking down on anyone who throws shade or gossips about other women–to some extent it is natural to want to compete–but we have to work against that!
Instead of feeding into gossip and shade meant to tear other women down, think of ways you can collaborate with women who are trying to make moves in your field. Put other women on to the networking events you’re going to. Shout other women out who are making boss moves and killing the game at whatever it is that they’re doing. Another woman’s success and recognition will not hinder your own.
Give Sincere Compliments
I can’t lie, I’m not even great at doing this because most times I fear looking like a crazy person in the street randomly throwing compliments out at people. But then I think about the times other women have complimented me and how genuinely happy and appreciative it had made me feel. You have no idea how those compliments you give can build up a woman while she’s at a low point. Even beyond this, giving compliments shows that you’re not afraid to acknowledge another woman and her success which all ties back to scaling back the competition mindset.
Brag About Your Friends
I don’t know about you but I have some friends who are SLAYING at all things in life. It’s cool to be humble about yourself and all but nobody says I can’t brag about my friends! Isn’t that what friends are for to begin with? You’d be surprised how many women get new opportunities just because a friend or an acquaintance brought them up when they were relevant in the conversation.As if I haven’t said it enough, another woman’s success will not hold you back from your own! There are plenty of wins to go around. When one person eats we’re all eating! So don’t be afraid to show love to your best friend who just launched a business, blog, or podcast, or that friend who got into grad school or just someone who inspires you on the daily. The point is simple: #gasyourfriendsup all 2018 (and 2019, 2020…forever!
Final Thoughts
A large part of my teenage and young adult life was focused on women’s empowerment. From attending an all girls middle and high school to devoting much of my undergrad experience to organizations like the Association of Black Harvard Women and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, I know firsthand how beautiful it can be when women support and uplift one another. It doesn’t take a whole lot of effort or energy to do any of these things, so challenge yourself to do something on this list right now!
#EniGivenSunday
