Micro-ActionsforMacroChange

How You Can Take Initiative to Drive Change

By: Roba Goreishi (Publications Subcommittee)

Transitioning from an all-girls school to a mixedgender tutoring environment brought forth a new experience for me during my high school years In this unfamiliar setting, I struggled to have my voice heard and gain attention when answering questions. It became evident when my answers went unnoticed, only to be acknowledged and praised when a male student echoed the same response Recognising this unintended oversight was a pivotal moment for me as a young girl, as I began to observe the many micro-imbalances overlooked in the day-to-day lives of women

While seemingly insignificant, this example highlights the daily challenges women face and the need to address such imbalances By understanding the underlying behaviours that generate such situations, we can empower ourselves to drive change in our surroundings.

Leaving Loud

An example of a micro-action that combats an often stigmatised behaviour is that of women 'leaving loud' By making the conscious decision to leave the workplace openly, such as to pick up

Interrupting Interruptions

Male allies can play a vital role in promoting the voices of women In discussions where a woman ' s contribution is overlooked or unheard, allies can use their own voices to advocate on her behalf By speaking up to say, "I'd like to her what she has to say " , or similar statements of this calibre, allies demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity, and ensure that everyone ' s perspectives are valued This also generates a moment of reflection for those overlooking female voices at the table.

Challenging Bias

Micro-actions can be taken to address gender bias and inequality in professional and educational settings For instance, when confronted with sexist or offensive comments, a simple act like asking the person to repeat themselves can have a powerful impact. This action creates a moment of silence, forcing the individual to confront the nature of their words in front of others It empowers women to assert their worth and refuse to accept derogatory treatment that has often been normalised