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What Are Workplaces Like For Women Of Color?

June 12, 2023

We are living in a modern society, yet that doesn’t mean our lives are without difficulties. Even though women fought for the equal right to work alongside their male counterparts and won – that doesn’t mean the battle is over.

It’s far from over for women all across the world.

In fact, the challenges of a workplace can be made even harder to deal with if you add in being a woman of color.

Many BIPOCs are dealing with tough obstacles and barriers that are hard to overcome. The last thing you want is to have to deal with it during working hours too.

Let’s talk more about the challenges that women of color face in the workplace.

1. Racial Bias

It’s hard enough to be a working woman in today’s society. Many industries are still lingering with the “good old boys” mentality of it being man’s line of work. Women have proven themselves far more than capable to do anything a man can do.

However, women of color are facing a unique barrier to try and break. Not only are they women but they are in a minority group, as well. There’s a terrible stereotype that exists here.

2. Gender Bias

The days of a woman staying at home to be full-time providers for their families and household responsibilities are over. Or, they should be, anyways.

The sad reality of this is that women are now expected to be full-time providers and full-time workers. It is implied that as a woman, you can only do one or the other. When you add in being a POC, you are mixing a whole different recipe together. The fight for women’s equality didn’t just apply to English women, but to all females. And yet, it took even longer for women of color to even begin to be accepted in the workforce or more career-driven fields.

3. Women Of Color Aren’t In Enough Leadership Roles

It’s already rare to see women in a position of power or in higher-ranking management positions. It’s even rare to see a woman of color in one of these roles. Unless, of course, it is within a minority-owned company. But the more traditional companies are still largely seeing men in leadership roles. Or if it is a woman, she is likely of European descent.

4. Feeling Afraid To Speak Up

Any person of color is going to likely be more afraid to speak up about issues in the workplace. Unless they for sure know they are in a culturally competent and safe environment, of course.

Women, especially, are hesitant to speak up in the workplace about things they are noticing. Especially when it comes to racial injustices outside and in the workplace. Not only will the cards seem stacked against them as a woman; but as a woman of color, the cards likely feel as if they are going up to the rooftop.

This can make it especially hard for them to ask for a raise or promotion or to speak up about something that made them or someone else feels uncomfortable or scared.

How To Cope With Racial Injustices At Work

It’s insane that we still need to talk about these things. It’s 2023 and the glass ceiling has far from shattered. The march for equal rights for BIPOCs may have started decades and decades ago, but it is far from nearing the finish line.

In the last few years, it has been a tumultuous time for many BIPOCs throughout the world, especially in the United States. If you are a woman of color and struggling to find your footing in an ever-changing world or workplace, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. I know exactly what you are feeling and going through. If you are ready to start your own business, contact me so I can assist you in your new journey.