By Lucy Grimwade
If you look up the term 'ally' you'll find multiple definitions.
The one that resonates the most, is the Merriam-Webster definition of allies:
"one that is associated with another as a helper; a person or group that provides assistance and support in an ongoing effort, activity or struggle."
Allyship isn't a trend, or a label, or even something new.
It also isn't just about hiring more women.👀
It is an important position whereby the ally is making sure that everyone, especially women and people of colour, are not only invited to the table but they also have a seat, a voice and a contribution.
Whilst challenging the status quo.
And being part of the solution and not the problem.
Seems like a lot, but really it isn't.
Male Allyship
It would be unfair to say it was simple.
There will always be blockers from both internal and external factors. With people that have opinions that don't match your values and you'll have questions around the approach.
Also, "...Would-be male allies may struggle to identify subtle forms of sexism or exclusion at work and fear backlash when they speak out. Research suggests that men may be unsure how to be an ally and have trouble navigating power dynamics at work. But a commitment to equity, as well as support from other men, can help motivate men to act as allies."*
That aside, "When men speak up on behalf of women, they’re more likely to be taken seriously by other men. As a result, women who have experienced sexism or oppression feel more confident and empowered. According to a new study, women who believe they have strong allies at work feel a greater sense of inclusion and more energy and enthusiasm on the job."*
Why male allies are important
Male allies can support progress towards gender equity across all levels.
They can proactively question and challenge behaviours. Starting in their own circles then reaching out further.
They should then look to carry some of the accountability for creating change within industries and workplaces. It isn't about being a male-saviour and isn't all on them... like it isn't all on us.
It is a collaborative effort.
It's about bringing in balance to drive inclusive cultures forward.
By actively getting involved in supporting and encouraging female colleagues in multiple guises from mentoring to leading to teaching and so forth - they are starting to share a piece of that pie, that often is so hard for women to reach.
This is being inclusive.
And guess what?
There is a return of investment here.
Building diversity in the workplace means better business. FACT.
And from a personal development point of view, the male ally will experience a level of growth, gain knowledge and will be on their own learning journeys.
So where to start
Over the last few years there has been some exciting developments in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) space. But with that, means that there is a lot of information out there. Thus, it is often hard to know where to start.
Here are 3 initial steps we can all take when it comes to being an ally and showing up for them as well as ourselves.
Check your own bias.
We all have a bias that is hardwired into us from when we were growing up or from environments we have been in. Start making a conscious effort in capturing those moments when you are being bias - understand where it comes from and do the work to change it.
Be Curious
Allyship is about learning from others. It's not jumping to conclusions or assuming what they need. Don't fall into the advice trap. Take the time to ask the questions and actively listen to their words, the asks and what they need.
Educate yourself
Learning, and in some cases, unlearning, is an essential ask when it comes to allyship. To start with, here are 3 resources to explore.
Read: Invisible Women
Listen: Talk Female Friday Podcast: Allyship with Dave Rice
Being an ally shouldn’t end with educating yourself, but it is an important place to start.
What male allyship means for Women in Tech
We all know that there are not enough women working in tech. We equally know that women are choosing to leave the world of tech to pursue other career avenues.
Having a male ally that genuinely wants to help. Who is supporting growth and amplifying voices. Who really believes in equity.
This can and will often give hope back to women who have experienced negative interactions with men across their careers (e.g. bullying, sexism).
It's more than sharing a piece of the pie. It is giving women the ingredients to how to bake their own and in batches.
A male ally for a woman in tech, could be the reason why she stays, how she thrives and where she goes next.
🚀
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