Explore next steps to improve your mental health. 
- Women’s rights have come a long way over the past century, but there’s still much progress to be made in the name of gender quality.
- Women (and men) can offer support to themselves and the women in their life, encouraging themselves and others to strive for greatness.
- Using words of affirmation, such as “I am loved”, or “I am safe” to offer themselves assurance is an effective self-care routine.
- Encouraging other women (or if male, encouraging women) to pursue male-dominated career jobs and to not be swayed by gender stereotypes.
- Women and others can go an extra step by supporting young women’s educational goals, avoiding gatekeeping behavior, and joining girls’ afterschool programs to offer mentorship.
Women have long been facing unique struggles and not just in terms of mental health. Women have been fighting and pushing for more equality and acceptance in the United States and other countries. Since gaining the right to vote in 1920, women have made a lot of progress over the last century—but lots of work still remains.
So with this in mind, it’s important to empower and enable the next generation of women to continue making waves. But as a woman, feminist, or supportive partner, you might be wondering: How do we continue to promote change and offer women a seat at society’s table?
Use Words of Affirmation for Self-Empowerment
When we become self-accepting, we are able to embrace all parts of ourselves. It’s that unconditional, empowering love we need to improve our self-confidence—and words of affirmation can assist women with this process. While it’s easier said than done, it’s an important self-care routine.
These are positive statements that can help you overcome negative thoughts. When you repeat them often, you’ll start believing them and make a positive change. Create affirmations that have power and meaning. A few examples are:
- “I am strong and capable of achieving anything.”
- “I am beautiful, inside and out.”
- “I am loved.”
- “I am safe.”
- “I have the ability to make a difference.”
You would never put others down for the way they look, act, or carry themselves, so why should you judge yourself in those ways? Once you start exuding confidence and strength, you can start to become a good role model for others.
Young girls will look up to you and want to be happy and positive like you. Your friends and family will see a change in the way you carry yourself and want to feel the same. Lead by example.
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Encourage Yourself & Other Women to Pursue Their Career Goals
Oftentimes, women feel like there are only certain careers or paths they can take because some jobs are “just better for men.” There is a lot of exceptional work to be done and companies need to understand that getting input from both men and women is essential to doing exceptional business.
More women also need to understand that they should go for it and apply for the managerial position, to be a director, or to become a CEO. Not only should you be your own greatest cheerleader, but you should also encourage other women to go after careers no matter the field. Male professionals should lend a supportive ear and voice, as well.
Some predominantly male-dominated fields to consider are:
- Trade Industry: Jobs in construction, plumbing, electricity, and HVAC are all career fields that are needing more and more workers as they become less popular. While they aren’t seen as a traditional route for women, they’re great fields for people who want to work with their hands and not have a “desk job”.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM): STEM jobs are growing at a fast pace and women are no longer accepting that it is a career field solely for men. There are mentorships, programs, and education systems that are designed to offer support to women and young girls who are interested in STEM-related fields.
- Medicine: There are few women surgeons. It’s a very demanding career field that does force a lot of people to put their families on hold. However, it’s possible to raise a family while also being a successful doctor—and it’s been done by men and women alike.
All too often are gender stereotypes associated with professions. It’s now the job of women to stop people from saying things like, “that’s a man’s job,” and empower the next generation.
Offer Support and Educate from a Young Age
Leading by example is just the first step. To go the extra mile:
- Support women in their educational journey
- Educate young women and girls in your life about possible career opportunities
- Mentor younger women in your career field
- Read a book at your local elementary school to young girls in an afterschool program
To become a strong woman, you must also build others up. Don’t discriminate based on anyone’s age, race, gender, religion, background, or financial status. Let young girls in your life choose their own paths and make decisions, instead of herding them down a path they aren’t interested in.
So now: What will you do to empower yourself or the women in your life?
