Unconscious Bias: My story of fighting for Recognition

One thing that has helped me a lot is, not seeing myself as a WOMAN but seeing myself as HUMAN.

Being a female gender is something we are born with and it makes us who we are but it shouldn't define us.

If someone is being nasty to you at work because you are a woman, stand up and speak up for yourself.

Looking back, I'm happy about the choice I took to overcome unconscious bias around me. Because as a woman, people assume if you are working in the same team with a man , he is more knowledgeable than you.

We live in a competitive world were some companies still chooses to pay women less than their male counterpart in the same field because they are women

In a work place, your suggestion gets ignore because they think your opinion don't count. Many companies have alot of work to do in fostering gender equality.

I still remember the frustration I felt in my former workplace during one our our team celebration meetings. We had just hid a major milestone . I was beaming with pride but as I looked around, I noticed that my male colleague who was learning under me was getting all the credit for our work.

It wasn't a new thing because it has played out several times in my career.

At first, I didn't care much because I enjoyed being behind the scene believing our team success was what matters most

But as time went one, I realised that my efforts were being overlooked. Whenever we achieved something, my male colleague would take the spotlight and I am relegated to the background. It was like my contribution were invisible.

The worst part was when problems arises I was the one being called out for solutions. It felt like I was only good for problems. My male colleague would reap the rewards while I was left to deal with the challenges.

One particular incident changed everything for me. I worked tirelessly on a project and ensuring it success. When the project was completed, my male colleague was promoted and I was overlooked

It was a wake up call. I realized it is time to stop crying over the fact that I was overlooked because I am a woman. I deserve to shine and take credit for my work.

I decided then and there to stop hiding behind the scene and claim my space. It wasn't easy but it was necessary.

I started asserting myself in meetings, ensuring my contributions were recognised and advocating for my right.

The more I spoke up, the more I realized other women felt invisible too. mlMany women face similar challenges in the workplace where their effort are attributed to the male counterparts. It is subtle but pervasive bias that hold women back from reaching their full potential.

To women reading this who finds themselves in similar situation, I want to say to you, " don't let others define your worth"

Learn to speak up for yourself, to take credit for your work and advocate for what you deserve.

If you deserve a promotion, ask for it.

If you deserve a pay rise, ask for it.

Don't let anyone take credit for your achievements.

Let's rise up, speak up and demand the recognition we deserve. By speaking out, we hold the ladder for other women to climb.

When you set the pace, others will find their voice to speak out against unconscious bias.