What is micro-feminism?
Firstly, this is a topic that's making a lot of noise on social media right now. So what is it 🤔? In short, it's the idea that we can advance the feminist cause with small everyday actions, things that might seem "insignificant" (at least to some), but when combined, can make a big difference 💪.
Well, the concept isn't new, but an American, Ashley Chaney, a female entrepreneur and TV producer, gave it a name in one of her TikToks:
And apparently, it resonated with a lot of people, since her video was viewed over 2 million times and generated thousands of comments 😮!
Personally, I think it's a very interesting idea. Because feminism isn't just about big theories and protests. It's also (and especially) about everyday matters, small changes in our behaviors and mindsets. After all, that's how we evolve society, right 👀?
Micro-feminist actions to take
More concretely, what actions can we take at work to be a bit more feminist? Yes, this article is for women, as well as our allies, for those who consider themselves woke ;) ! I've spent a lot of time watching TikToks from women talking about this and reflecting on what I would like to see at work, so here are the actions to remember:
Address women 🗣️
This is the starting point of micro-feminism. The goal is to give more importance to women in organizations, especially those in secondary or subordinate positions, like "the assistant." Instead of addressing men, let's talk to women!
Use inclusive language in writing and speaking 🤗
We use gendered job titles (the advisor, the magistrate, etc.), we use both masculine AND feminine, we stop with the "Miss" everywhere 🙄… And why not generalize inclusive writing and the middle dot? Anyway, that's what I try to do!
Good to know A study by Stanford University even showed that inclusive writing in job offers boosted the response rate from candidates. As it turns out, inclusivity breaks down barriers and encourages women to apply. Well done, Stanford! |
Let women speak and encourage them 💪
No matter the situation, we take up less speaking time. Notably because men impose themselves much more and tend to interrupt. But let's reclaim this space, let's set boundaries for those who don't let us speak. And above all, let's support each other, when one of our colleagues wants to speak, let's give her the floor.
Skip the gossip at the coffee machine ☕
I don't know if you've noticed, but it's often women who are at the center of gossip. We criticize someone's look or personal life. Well, we stop that because it can even lead to workplace harassment.
This article might interest you: The Great Gloom at work
Refuse invisible tasks outside your job description 🙅♀️
In other words, we say no to men's strategic incompetence. No more organizing Secret Santa every year or formatting Gérard's PowerPoint. If it's not part of our job, we say no ✋!
Not letting anything slide with micro-feminism
I find all these small actions more than important, but I would say the main thing to remember is to not hesitate to set boundaries with others. When we see a man mansplaining, when we hear problematic and sexist phrases, when we realize that men are paid more 🙄…
As journalist Léa Lejeune pointed out, we need to look out for other women, especially if we have an advantageous position in the company. Managers should think about helping those in intermediate professions who have more difficulty asserting themselves.
By doing this, there is a consciousness awakening about gender inequalities at work. The feminist fight has its place everywhere, especially in the professional world, so that there are no more women who don't dare to succeed.
The editorial opinion: We can all make a difference!You now have a range of micro-feminist actions ready to be deployed daily. Every small action counts, and together, with these mini but maxi actions, we can transform our professional environment into a fairer and more balanced space. If some laugh, thinking these small actions are just drops in the ocean, remember that it's precisely the accumulation of these drops that forms the great tides of change. What if it were you today making a difference?
🤗 Understanding, accepting, being happy... It's here and now!
#BornToBeMe Connect with an advisor |
But also:
Sources: Study "Do Jobseekers Value Diversity Information? Evidence from a Field Experiment"
