By Caryn Warren
Honesty and transparency are two words that are echoed in the workplace. Well, it's time to be honest and transparent about the soul-stealing and energy-draining experiences many of us face in the workplace, especially as black women. We are tired of the microaggressions and passive-aggressive unprofessionalism. We are tired of being undervalued, unseen, and not appreciated. More importantly, we are tired of being underpaid.
Taraji, I completely understand how it feels. I hear the negativity that people are saying, "Well, why did she sign the contract?" "Where was she when Monique was speaking up about this years ago?" "She's rich, why is she complaining?"
Let me explain.
Every day, many of us navigate a minefield of microaggressions and passive-aggressive behaviors. These subtle, often dismissive actions might seem insignificant in isolation, but together, they form a relentless assault on our professional identity and self-worth. It's like a slow poison, gradually eroding our enthusiasm and passion for our work.
The Emotional Toll of Being Undervalued
Being constantly undervalued is not just a hit to our professional growth; it's a direct attack on our spirit. When our contributions are overlooked and our voices are drowned out, it's not just our ideas being dismissed; it's our essence. This relentless undermining of our value can lead to a profound sense of disillusionment and questioning our abilities and worth.
The Exhaustion of Invisibility
A unique kind of exhaustion comes from fighting to be seen. It's like shouting into a void, expending energy without being acknowledged. This struggle for visibility is draining. It's a battle that consumes vast amounts of mental and emotional energy, leaving little room for creativity, innovation, and personal growth. Imagine a world where your voice echoes into a void, where your skills are summoned only when convenient, and where gender biases overshadow your expertise.
Women in tech frequently face a paradox: their expertise is acknowledged in selective scenarios yet overlooked in daily operations. It's a frustrating dichotomy where a woman's knowledge is sought after for its depth and precision but not always trusted. This selective recognition undermines their capabilities and can stifle their growth and potential.
Speaking Up, But Not Heard
One of the most disheartening experiences is speaking up and not being heard. Women in tech often find themselves in this predicament. Despite being backed by experience and knowledge, their suggestions and insights are sometimes disregarded or overshadowed by male voices. This isn't just about being heard; it's about being valued and respected for their contributions.
The journey for women in tech is not just about fighting for a seat at the table; it's about reshaping the table itself. It's about creating an environment where their voices are not just heard but are influential, where their skills are not just recognized but are sought after, and where their contributions are not just valued but celebrated.
The Injustice of Being Underpaid
Being underpaid is a stark reminder of how our society undervalues the work of women. It's a tangible measure of inequality affecting our financial stability and sense of fairness and justice. The knowledge that our male counterparts are earning more for the same work is not just demoralizing; it's a betrayal of the principle of equal pay for equal work.
Addressing the Criticism
To those questioning why someone like Taraji would speak up, consider this: the decision to sign a contract or remain silent in the past does not invalidate the legitimacy of one's experiences. The amount of money one may or may not have does not shield one from the soul-crushing effects of discrimination and inequality. Speaking up about these issues is not complaining; it's advocating for a fundamental change in how we value and respect each other's contributions.
The Soul-Stealing Reality
This constant battle for recognition, respect, and fair compensation is more than just a professional challenge; it's a soul-stealing reality. It drains our energy, dims our passion, and can leave us feeling hollow and defeated. The emotional and psychological toll of navigating a workplace where you are constantly undervalued and marginalized cannot be overstated.
A Call for Change
It's time to confront the hard truths. Like many others, the tech industry has a long way to go regarding gender equality. Acknowledging the problem is the first step. The next is actionable change. We need to recognize the soul-stealing impact of our current work culture and take concrete steps to address it. This includes actively combating microaggressions, acknowledging and valuing the contributions of all employees, ensuring fair compensation, and, most importantly, creating an environment where everyone is seen, heard, and appreciated.
The path to a more equitable workplace is long and challenging, but it's a journey we must undertake. Their battle is not ours to fight alone; it's a battle for all who believe in the transformative power of diversity in driving innovation and progress.
We're all exhausted. As we step into 2024, let's rally alongside Taraji in advocating for what we rightfully deserve. It's time to move beyond being the runners-up; let's aim to emerge as leaders and victors!
