Recent events demand that we pause, use our voice, and take a stand. In part due to the pandemic, violence, hate crimes and racism is increasing. Last year there were 3,800 anti-Asian racist incidents mostly against women. “There is an intersectional dynamic going on that others may perceive both Asians and women and Asian women as easier targets,” one professor said.[1] As I listened to friends and family, they shared trouble sleeping and fear going outside. Many of us are scared just because of who we are. So, please take a moment to reach out, listen, and take a stand. WIPN condemns hate, violence and racism and we remain committed to taking stand, using our voice, doing the work, and demanding change.
Furthermore, the Pandemic “shecession” also threatens our workplace progress. Let’s first recognize that progress. The Story of Us,[2] our research, revealed that on average: we are either the primary breadwinner or co-breadwinner, are making $152,000 a year, and 71% of us are highly satisfied with our career. Women made some progress in leadership positions. Between 2015 to 2019, women senior-vice-presidents increased from 23 to 28 percent and c-suite positions increased from 17 to 21 percent. Though the numbers improved, women remain dramatically underrepresented especially women of color[3] and COVID threatens to erase that advancement. More women than men are leaving the workforce and 1 in 4 women are considering leaving the workforce or downshifting their careers. Three groups have experienced the largest challenges: working mothers, senior management, and Black women.[4] You told us that achieving work-life balance was critical for success, but it ranks lowest for satisfaction. About half of us are caregivers (of a child, a partner, parent, etc.) and we are spending 1/3 more time than our partners on caregiving and household management.[4]
So, what can we do? Simply put, we need each other and WIPN now more than ever. We need to support each other, use our voice, and demand change. Go to the next WIPN virtual event. Take some time to recharge by joining a cooking class. Join a mentoring circle or sign up for a mentor. Try remote working – our research shows 85% of us prefer a mix of in-office and remote or 100% remote. Your company should support you as over 80% of us are as productive working remotely as in the office.[5] Finally, let’s celebrate our achievements and demand parity. Supporting women benefits everyone. If we act now to achieve best-in-region gender-parity improvements by 2030, 13 trillion could be added to global GDP.[6] So, let’s come out of this pandemic better.
[2] The Story of Us, 2021 Research by WIPN, Escalent, T.Rowe Price, and Resources Investment Advisors – A OneDigital Company.
[3] Women in the Workplace | McKinsey
[4] The Story of Us, 2021 Research by WIPN, Escalent, T.Rowe Price, and Resources Investment Advisors – A OneDigital Company.
[5] The Story of Us, 2021 Research by WIPN, Escalent, T.Rowe Price, and Resources Investment Advisors – A OneDigital Company.
