To celebrate Women’s History Month, I’m sharing a few of my favorite discussions on gender allyship.
Today’s episode of Allies at Work is the introduction to the podcast, so I share a little bit of my story and why I’m so passionate about men getting involved in gender equality.
You’ll also hear from my husband, Carlin Cottam, who has been the stay-at-home dad and primary caregiver for our three children for the last four years—after the cost of childcare forced us to get creative about the roles we play in our family.
And finally, at the end of the episode, I’ll share an allyship microaction—something you can do as soon as you’re done listening.
Allyship is a massive concept and sometimes we don’t know where to start. Whether you’re a business leader or an individual contributor, these tactics will help you be a better workplace ally.
Today’s allyship action is “name your privilege.”
A few favorite moments
“Allyship is all about finding ways to use your strengths, your privilege, your identities to build bridges for others.”
“Kids shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden of being your purpose, your personality, your reason for being.”
Carlin Cottam
“I’m not babysitting; I’m their dad.”
For more insight from a stay-at-home dad, check out the full episode.
Allyship action: Name your privilege
I know, I know. I used the word privilege. Please don’t stop reading .
Privilege does not make you a bad person. Privilege is not an evil thing. In fact, privilege can become your greatest tool for allyship.
Take a second to google the “wheel of privilege” or “wheel of power.” This is a visual that helps us to name the advantages we’ve experienced in life, both those that we have earned and those we were born with.
As an example, one segment of the wheel is labeled ability. Able-bodied folks are at the center of the circle, meaning that they have the most power and privilege. People with some disability are a little further from the center of power, and individuals with significant disability are marginalized all the way at the edge of the circle. This means that they experience significantly less power and privilege than folks near the center—those of us who are able bodied.
This example makes sense to most people. If you are free from disability, it’s easier for you to enter a restaurant with stairs at the entrance. It’s easier for you to see objects in front of you that are required for your daily work. It’s easier for you to interact in social situations.
Other segments in the wheel of power include citizenship, wealth, housing, body size, mental health, sexuality, education, skin color, and yes, gender.
As you look at the wheel of power and privilege, notice where your identities lie. Are you close to the center of power, or do you live along the margins?
Being near the center isn’t a bad thing. You may have been born near the center, or maybe you worked really hard to move your way over.
Regardless of why you are where you are, if you are near the center of power, it is your responsibility, delight, and privilege to build bridges.
Let’s be allies at work and in our communities
Tune in next time to hear from Michael Harrington on the importance of listening to women’s voices in corporate spaces. Sign up below so you never miss an episode!
Rachel Cottam 