Top three tips to create positive change when you #ChooseToChallenge

This week we hold our first IWD event and we had the pleasure to share and celebrate the contributions that women make in our community. During one hour our speakers Nakila, Irene, Summayyah, Keletso and Adongwot shared how they #ChooseToChallenge bias and grow their wellbeing and careers.

Today we are sharing with you their top 3 tips to create a positive change:

Nalika:

1. Self – care in stepping up.  Our batteries run low, and we do this because we care. So find your people, your supports, and ask for help.
2. Assumptions. My story will not always be your story – Be curious, ask, listen and challenge your biases.
3. Challenge your own cultural norms. They may play out in negative ways in the workplace. So be prepared to unlearn old habits

Irene:

1. Make sure your choices and decisions are truly yours.  Make sure you feel okay with it, and, that it means something to you.
2. Network with people who give you mentoring tips and advice (i.e. a coffee chat).
3. Gender equality is everyone’s responsibility.

Summayyah:

3 Cs:

1. Curiosity: Create our personal learning space and grow appreciation and value of diversity and not conform with the idea of the difference.  One size doesn’t fit all.  Honour the difference.
2. Committing to seeing change and making it happen.
3. Communication: Language and mindfully removing prejudice, segregation and exclusion.

Keletso:

1. Life will always be challenging
2. Don’t take life too seriously – you’re important but THAT important 
3. Expect messes to happen and have a plan

Adongwot:

1. Show up.  Showing up, and knowing you deserving that seat at the table. You can challenge the status quo by showing up and being the best in whatever you do. 
2. Show out. Get out there.  Network with sisters, allies, everyone.
3. Don’t shut down.  Make the invisible, visible.  Don’t accept the unacceptable.  Report issues.  Seek support.  Offer support. 

Niki:

1. Listen
2. Learn
3. Support

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