Article on Forbes By: Aleksandra Mihajlovska published on the 15 of march 2021. Celebrating, Kamala Harris, the first female Vice President of the United States. Whilst we should celebrate this milestone, women working in male-dominated fields where the boys’ club is still somehow a thing, a workplace free of gender bias can seem like a dream.

It’s also true that in the past 40 years, we have seen a steady increase of women entering male-dominated STEM fields. By STEM we mean Science Technology, Engineering and Math. However, according to a Cornell University study, women in male-dominated careers face challenges such as:

·        Lack of support (both emotional and financial).

·        Feeling incompetent. (possibly due to Impostor syndrome)

·        Mistreatment.

·   Lack of a voice.

The article continues by giving a few tips on how part of these obstacles could be tackled. One of the recommendations is to “Focus on the positive.” Of course, there will be challenges as you try to master a male-dominated workplace. Is it fair? Absolutely not. But focusing on the positive can help put your challenges into perspective. Knowledge is power in a male-dominated field. Being an expert in the subject, listening to the opinion and advise of other colleagues whilst researching and updating yourself on any uncertainties will empower anyone,

Secondly finding a group of women who can support you. Whether you’re the only woman at your firm or one of a handful of women scattered throughout various departments, it is essential that you find a strong group of women who can support you. This group can help you strategize, meet your goals, learn to negotiate, and give you a safe space to vent your frustrations.

Thirdly Keep your eye on role models. Being a woman in a male-dominated field can be lonely. It can help to know you’re not alone, so find role models who know what you’re going through. These could be women in your life who are ahead of you on the path, or they could be famous women with wisdom to share through podcasts or blog articles.

Fourth seek out men who can be allies. Even in fields that are heavily male dominated, there are men who want to be allies to the women they meet. Be on the lookout for these men and don’t be afraid to ask them for mentorship and advice. Men who want to be allies in the workplace maybe identified by being on the lookout for specific traits.  For example:

·        Men who listen and amplify your opinions and thoughts during meetings.

·        Men speaking up when they see gender bias.

·        Men who go out of their way to praise your work in front of their colleagues.

·        Men who advocate for you.

Another article on femalefactor.global tackles how to succeed in a male-dominated profession. In my opinion, it aligns quite well with many other articles relating to this topic.

It starts by suggesting to: let your voice be heard & speak with confidence. Recognize the value of your opinion and believe that what you must share is worth listening to.

Stop trying to be a pleaser. It's nice to be nice, but always trying to please others won't get you anywhere. Instead of serving or promoting you, it belittles you and leaves an impression that you're unsure of yourself.

Know your worth and make sure you make it obvious for other people too. Take a class, read a book - do everything you can to distinguish yourself and grow professionally.

Learn how to handle conflict. Instead of engaging in conflict or avoiding it, learn to communicate forward by acknowledging the conflict and asking, "So how do we move past this?" Keep it professional. Don't email when you are angry and don't read emotion or tone into texts, emails, or directives. Once the conflict is over, shake hands, hold your head high, and get back to work.

Don't be afraid to ask for a raise or promotion. Make your expectations clear and state in simple terms why they should be met with authority.

Find a mentor.