Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated…
Happy International Women’s Day! As a women-owned and -operated firm that focuses on helping the everyday heroines of the world step into their financial power, this day — and the entirety of Women’s History Month for that matter — is especially meaningful to us.
Since our founding in 1983, The Humphreys Group has been dedicated to serving women, taking into account their unique financial needs and priorities, their perspectives, their aspirations, and their strengths. We are constantly impressed by our clients and the amazing women in our community and find this year’s #BreakTheBias theme particularly inspiring. Each and every day, the women we serve fight against stereotypes, discrimination, and bias, and we stand with them.
How can you help support women and work to break the bias? Here are four simple things you can do, no matter who you are, to show your camaraderie.
- Uplift the women in your life. This might sound like a no-brainer, but how often do you actually take the time to let people know how much you admire or appreciate them? In the spirit of lifting up the women in your life, find the time to reach out to your mom, grandma, daughter, sister, wife, niece, cousin, friend, colleague, etc., and let them know just how amazing they are. Whether you stop by their house, call them up, or even just shoot them a text or email, words of affirmation, encouragement, and appreciation can go a long way.
- Invite men and people who identify beyond the gender binary into the conversation. Yes, it’s called International Women’s Day, but the conversation and celebration should not be exclusive to those who identify as women. Men, transgender, genderqueer, and non-binary people all deserve to have a seat at the table as well. Inclusivity encourages people from all backgrounds to think deeply and critically about how they support the women in their own lives. Divided, we create barriers, but united, we break down stereotypes, fight discrimination, and break biases.
- Create an inclusive work environment and advocate for gender equality. It can be especially scary to take a stand at work. After all, there is a lot on the line if you “say the wrong thing” or “start the wrong conversation.” However, workplace equality is worth fighting for. Whether it’s recognizing women who are doing an amazing job by calling them out in meetings or company newsletters, organizing a women’s lunch, or having a conversation with your boss about how your company could better support women, no act of advocacy is too small. And if your company disapproves of what you are standing up for, is it really somewhere you want to be?
- Support women-owned businesses. At The Humphreys Group, we champion women putting their money where their mouths are. International Women’s Day is a great excuse to practice mindfulness and reflect on where you are spending your money. Challenge yourself to only spend at women-run businesses for the day (or longer, if you’re feeling ambitious.) Whether it’s skipping the corporate coffee line and opting to drive the extra half mile to grab a cup of joe from the woman-owned cafe instead, visiting a female-run bookshop on your lunch break, or ordering some beautiful new candles from a woman artisan online, supporting local women-owned businesses shows solidarity and contributes to women’s economic empowerment.
#BreakTheBias with The Humphreys Group
At The Humphreys Group, one way we work to break the bias is by perpetuating our foundational beliefs: That women are already good at money. That when you align your values and money, you achieve better financial outcomes. That women are powerful and, as such, they deserve powerful financial advice. That both expertise and empathy are of equal importance in money conversations. We celebrate these beliefs and we celebrate women, not just on International Women’s Day, but every day. Reach out to learn more.
Together we can forge women’s equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
