Happy Women’s History Month

“Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.”

Who Runs The World...

Happy Women’s History Month. I hope this month you’re able to pour into yourself and other impactful women that have been a part of your journey. If you’re unfamiliar with Women’s History Month, welcome from under the rock you’ve been living since the 1980’s. The month of March is used to reflect the overlooked contributions of women and to continue spreading awareness of the injustices and discrimination women encounter. You do not have to be a known activist or philanthropist for your highlights to be acknowledged as we “celebrate women who tell our story.”

Not All Stories Make The Front Page

As someone who has been mentored by some bad ass influential women, it is unfortunate that all accomplishments can’t be headliners. So, to the “everyday women” that are shaping the future in ways unseen, thank you. The women in corporate America managing microaggressions while doing leadership work without the title, thank you. The women entrepreneurs starting businesses to help your community yet receive 50% less in loan sizes than men, thank you. The female teachers that make up 77% of the career field and seemingly pour into the youth from a never ending fountain of compassion, making 22k less than your male counterparts, thank you. And lets not forget the 70.8% of primary caretakers that are female, cue the music “you doing a good job.”

While there are endless statistics showing the inequities toward women, enough recognition is not given to our victories. Let’s change that narrative by tooting our own horns!

Taking Off The Cape

In many ways, the “strength of being a woman” is depicted as some supernatural trait ingrained in our DNA. As a result of this expectation, little recognition is given to the efforts and toll taken for women to reach even the simplest of achievements. Often resulting in women experiencing;

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Higher Levels of Burnout 
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Digestive Challenges 
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Chronic Fatigue 
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Fertility Issues 
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Heart Issues 
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Migraines 
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Let's normalize taking off these societal imposed capes, and knowing it has not removed an ounce of who you are and what you’re capable of. Let’s vocalize when we see achievements being reached by another female peer. Sometimes a good ol fashioned, “I see you” can go a long way. Above all, this month and in days to follow be open and receptive to your acknowledgements. You deserve every flower given to you, being unseen will no longer be the norm. A few ways of watering your female peers can include;

An unbiased listening ear - women face a lot of pressure. Having a safe place to feel heard is important.
Empowerment - everyone’s path is different with its own challenges. A simple compliment can be the self-esteem booster needed to get over the next hurdle.
Mentorship - creating hope and inspiration for others can catch like wildfire. Cultivating opportunities for other women to learn through life experiences is valuable.
Advocate - sometimes advocating for others who can’t do so for themselves is needed. Your influence can be the start of new changes.

Employers You Can Help

If you are an employer with female employees, which most are, you can help fight against some of the equities experienced. While you may be unable to change most policies; which we’ll save for addressing in a later blog, implement support and allyship where you can, especially those in leadership positions. Forbes magazine offered suggestions for employers to help support women in the workplace which included:

Learn about gender bias - Although typically unconscious, it’s toxic and reduces an individual to stereotypes and inaccurate characteristics.
Support fair career growth opportunities - Help create or support learning and development programs for women, offer to mentor and encourage upskilling.
Understand the complexity of issues women face - Women in the workplace encounter various obstacles every day that go unseen (ageism, sexism, sexual harassment, etc.). Consider these problems when you interact with female co-workers and understand how that affects their confidence and mental health.”

The fight toward dismantling the inequities and discrimination that women encounter will remain an ongoing battle. However, it is a battle that is more closely attainable when led in solidarity between us all.

“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” ~ Maya Angelou

Meet the Author

Brittany Spencer, LCPC is an individual and couple therapist, and serves as the director of inclusivity at Space Between Counseling Services in Baltimore City, Maryland. Brittany specializes in counseling for individuals and couples using Stan Tatkin’s Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT) (Level 1) Trained.

Brittany specializes in working with members of the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC community, Racism & oppression in marginalized communities, Premarital + Pre-commitment Couples, Neurodiverse Couples, Traditional relationships, Nontraditional non monogamous and all consensual relationships, and other mental health providers.

When Brittany is not focusing on her clinical growth and expansion as a therapist in Baltimore, she enjoys going to the gym, outdoor hiking, participating in local charm city races, and spending time with her wife and family.

If you’re interested in learning more about working or consulting with Brittany, you can click the link below to her webpage.

Brittany Spencer