10 Ways to Take a Stand: A Manifesto for STEM Sisterhood
By Sue Kaur, 2019 Brooke Owens Fellow
This article was originally published in STEMher Magazine on November 1, 2019.
Women study and work in environments in which they are criticized for being confident and assertive, whereas men are praised for the same qualities. As we try to rise and become leaders in our industry, we face a spectrum of cultural and systemic hurdles that halt our advances. This can range from allegedly “innocent jokes” at someone’s expense, to a completely hostile work environment.
To shatter the glass ceiling, we must acknowledge and accept our individuality, confront the institutional barriers that suppress minorities, and share our experiences with our sisters in science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics (STEM).
In the last 5 years, I’ve been fortunate to meet confident and powerful women in leadership roles within their organizations. These women, who are articulate and graceful in the face of adversity, have shown me how to not only exist, but thrive upon my own terms. They showed me the value of STEM sisterhood and diplomacy when responding to “delicate situations.” These are the lessons I learned in my journey, and the wisdom imparted onto me by the phenomenal women who have taken me under their wing.
Dare to Exist in spaces where you don't see other women around you, or where women are not welcome, and stand your ground. You may be the first woman to do what you are doing, and that is okay. As a trailblazer you will challenge and change the environment from within to be more inclusive. You will open the doors for others to walk through.
Break the Mold and stereotypes of what a woman in STEM is supposed to look like, and how they are meant to behave. You are a multifaceted individual. You do not have to strip down your identity to fit into the traditional, hollow cast of your profession. To be anyone but your authentic self is an injustice.
Strive to be Someone You Like, not necessarily someone who is likable. Pleasing everyone around you is not your burden. Stand up for what you believe in, define your boundaries, and say no when the occasion calls for it. Do not let the fear of disapproval or rejection keep you from speaking your truth.
Be Your Own Greatest Advocate. Dare to believe your ideas will succeed, and keep speaking up when your ideas are overlooked. Take credit for your contributions. Apply for a job even if you don’t meet 100% of the criteria. Ask for a promotion and/or a raise. Toot your own horn, negotiate for what you want, and don’t settle for anything less than what you deserve.
We are Not One and the Same. Achievements and struggles vary from individual to individual. Surface representations on resumes and curated social media accounts are an incomplete depiction of our battles and the insurmountable odds we have overcome. Fight the temptation to compare your journey to your peers.
Use Your Powers and Privilege for the Greater Good. Recognize your advantages, and use the means at your disposal to uplift your sisters. Give back to the STEM sisterhood by investing your time, network, opportunities, and resources with those who do not have access to them. Use your platform to promote and celebrate each other’s work and accomplishments, and connect one another with opportunities for advancement.
Be a Voice for Equality. Take a stand for fairness in treatment for all; regardless of gender, race, age, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. Call out discrimination and microaggressions. Use your voice for equal representation and inclusion of women in leadership roles. Educate your colleagues and encourage them to use their platforms to improve visibility of minorities and help their voices be heard.
There is Strength in Numbers. Grow a community and a safe space for your sisters for support. This can take any form -- a physical place, a weekly meeting, a book club, or a group chat. Foster an environment of open communication, allowing exploration of issues without judgement. Create a space where women can be vulnerable and ask for help.
Lead by Example. Provide mentorship to young women who are following your path. Help them find ways to overcome the adversity they face. Stick with your mentee through thick and thin, giving them strength and guidance during their darkest times. Be their advocate and encourage them to maintain their interest in STEM.
Let Go. Acknowledge the mistakes you made, derive the lessons learned, make amends, and move forward. Recognize that failures are a part of the learning process. Moving on does not mean forgetting, it is freeing ourselves to focus on the present and working towards the future. Do not let your past have the power to intimidate or haunt you.
Sue Kaur is a Space Studies Master’s Student in Alsace, France and a 2019 Brooke Owens Fellow.