The benefits from gender equality are clear and the arguments for gender parity cogent. This is the only way to move forward and evolve as a society – we cannot go back. Although gender parity for the world appears a long way off, I am greatly encouraged by the strong will and purpose of companies and executives to find viable solutions for reducing gender bias and increasing diversity. I am also greatly encouraged to see the large number of women who have climbed to the top of organizations and are now assisting other women do the same.

There is growing recognition that we all act blindly due to outdated, baked-in gender lessons from childhood and that the resultant decisions and actions are not effective or beneficial. The nature and type of gender lessons that impact women significantly at work are discussed in detail in my new book Understanding Gender at Work. Ultimately this heightened consciousness about gender blind spots will move us forward to close gender gaps. I have no doubt.

Persistence with purpose and knowledge with focus are very powerful methods for changing attitudes and assumptions both at a societal and individual level. Especially as more and more people become aware of the issues and are motivated to create real change. Here are some suggestions for creating that change.

• Be A Change Maker. Hone your social intelligence and, in so doing, become influential. Allow your ideas to be heard and make your value visible. Work from the inside-out for change. Enlist change makers and influential others to help close gender gaps. Many organizations are recognizing the economic advantage that comes with women in leadership positions and on boards. Hire women and promote them to senior positions. Diversity creates strength and increases profit.
• Challenge Unfair Tactics and Gender Bias. Once you know the rules of the game, you can more easily spot when gender bias is operating. Without such recognition, everyone can easily and tacitly buy into it. Once you recognize gender bias – implicit or explicit –diminish its effect by exposing it. Use the techniques set out in my book and teach them to others.
• Use the Power of Alliances. Talk to others about what you have seen or experienced. Make it a grass root endeavor. Turn your friendships into working networks. This is the true power of feminine culture — to be able to use the collective for change. We have seen in recent months the power of women marching in major cities around the world. Use that impulse to actively create change – for yourself and others. The power of women, once activated, is immense and unstoppable.
• Know That Everyone Benefits. Gender equality has the powerful potential to improve the economy, security and the overall well-being of a population. This statement is not just a pleasant notion or untested theory, but comes directly from research findings. Gender equality reduces poverty and world hunger, expands labour markets to improve employment opportunities for all, and contributes to higher economic growth. In short, gender equality is connected with a higher quality of life for everyone.
• Help Evolve Culture Gender Roles. Gender roles are in a state of flux. The patriarchal male role is less acceptable as a norm today and the idea of women as fragile creatures has been waning for sometime. Showing children how to live as males and females without the restrictive gender culture programming of past decades is a great challenge for parents but fundamental to achieving gender equity. By allowing children to develop and exhibit their natural traits and abilities, regardless of where they fall on the feminine/masculine scale, is the way to ensure that future generations of women and men are able to live more psychological healthy lives. So that men and women can let their innate qualities shine and enjoy being truly who they are.
• Tap into Your Power. This means different things for different women. As discussed in my book it may involve actively managing a career and not being blindsided, or figuring out how to go along to get along in order to advance and succeed, or knowing when to pivot and move to another workplace where the salary is better, the corporate values align and the work is more fulfilling, or creating totally new organizational structures and policies that disrupt and erase outdated gender scripts.

The way to achieve gender equality involves everyone’s help and the way to help differs for each person. Writing a book to highlight gender blind spots and show how to use and lose them at work to increase career success for women is my way to contribute. There are many others. By each of us working in a way that is comfortable and doable I know we can move the needle and create a world of true gender equality. Where men and women are genuinely and completely equal in their social roles, and have legal and economic parity. Where outdated and restrictive gender stereotypes have lost their hold and we are all free to contribute fully and authentically to society by following the natural inclinations of our talents, skills, preferences and personalities.