Choose to Be an Ally and Advocate During Women’s History Month

March is Women’s History Month, and it’s something that our team at Choose Your Attitude is passionate about promoting and celebrating.

This month in particular is an important reminder to reset our perspective and make purposeful choices to empower the women in our life, and all around us. 

Recent psychology studies suggest that it takes 66 days for a habit to become permanent and automatic, so by the end of this month, you’ll already be halfway there! It’s time to shift our thinking and find our strength. Remember, one small choice can have a huge impact on our future.

No matter what your role is – ally or advocate – our advice is the same. Follow these prompts and activities to lead the fight toward equality for all:

1. Be mindful of who is speaking.

Study after study has proven that men’s voices dominate conversations. Let’s do better by paying attention to time, tone, and response. Do men and women have equal time at the mic? Are men speaking over women, rephrasing their ideas, or responding with longer, more aggressive comments? Be bold and speak out to correct the situation.

2. Give credit where credit is due.

There is a long history of women’s ideas being overwritten and claimed by men, especially for LGBTQ+ women and women of color. We can all work harder to ensure that female collaborators earn the credit they deserve, and then clap louder when they do!

3. Make more diverse connections.

Expand your social circle and be intentional about surrounding yourself with diverse voices. Partner, mentor, teacher, colleague, friend… healthy relationships are the key to creating safe spaces for more empowering conversations.

4. Pursue ongoing education.

Expand your reading list during Women’s History Month by looking for articles and books that are written by female authors. Podcasts are also a great way to observe conversations and step in as both an ally and audience member. At Choose Your Attitude, we believe in learning from (and lifting up) our past to inspire a brighter future.  

5. See discomfort as an opportunity.

Ask yourself why. Why do I bristle and get defensive when someone calls me out for bad behavior? Why do I get so nervous when it’s my turn to speak up and step in? Honest self-assessment allows us to understand and identify the misogynistic barriers that need to be broken down.

One day, women will have equal opportunities.

One day, women will be paid the same as men.

One day, women’s voices and ideas will be heard at an equal volume.

One day, women will not be disproportionately affected by sexual and domestic violence.

One day? Or day one? Choose your attitude and be the change.