Women’s empowerment has been a topic of discussion for decades, and in the millennial era, the importance of empowering women has become more crucial than ever before. Women are still facing gender inequality in various spheres of life, including education, employment, and leadership positions. However, the millennial generation is actively working towards changing this narrative by promoting women’s empowerment in various ways.

Firstly, the millennial generation is breaking stereotypes by challenging the traditional gender roles assigned to women. Women are no longer bound to just being homemakers; instead, they are choosing to pursue their careers and are actively contributing to the workforce. They are becoming entrepreneurs, CEOs, and leaders in various industries, which has not only empowered them but also paved the way for other women to follow their dreams.

Moreover, the millennial generation is using technology to promote women’s empowerment. Social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter have become powerful tools to spread awareness and inspire change. Women are using these platforms to showcase their talents, promote their businesses, and advocate for women’s rights. They are creating safe spaces for women to share their experiences and connect with each other.

Furthermore, the millennial generation is promoting diversity and inclusivity. Women from different backgrounds are being represented in various industries and platforms, challenging the notion that success is only for a particular group of people. This has not only empowered women but has also created a more inclusive society where everyone has an equal chance to succeed.

Education is also a crucial aspect of women’s empowerment, and the millennial generation is actively advocating for equal access to education for women. Women are breaking the barriers of gender-based discrimination and are enrolling in schools and universities, pursuing their dreams of becoming doctors, engineers, and scientists. They are using education to gain knowledge, skills, and confidence to become leaders and change-makers in their communities.

Monidipa Dutta through her blog believes that women’s empowerment is a crucial aspect of creating a more equal and inclusive society. By breaking stereotypes, using technology, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and advocating for equal access to education, she believes that women are becoming more empowered than ever before. As a result, we are creating a world where women have an equal chance to succeed and make a positive impact on their communities.

Monidipa, please tell my audience something unique about you.

This might sound awful to you but I believe I am the most boring person on earth. I just wake up, work, eat, write, read, and sleep. That’s almost my daily routine. Yes, I do travel a lot due to work and family requirements. I am an ambivert.

Talk to me about embracing diversity in womanhood.

Embracing diversity in womanhood involves recognizing and valuing the broad range of experiences, identities, and cultural backgrounds that women possess. This means actively listening to and amplifying the voices of women from diverse backgrounds, challenging societal norms and biases, and promoting intersectional feminism that acknowledges the ways in which gender intersects with other identities such as race, class, sexuality, and ability. By embracing diversity in womanhood, we can create a more equitable and inclusive society that values and celebrates the experiences and contributions of all women.

One of the most important aspects of womanhood is self-acceptance. I want to know more.

Self-acceptance is a critical aspect of womanhood that involves embracing and valuing oneself for who we are, without judgment or criticism. It means recognizing and accepting our strengths, weaknesses, and imperfections, as well as our unique qualities and identities. Self-acceptance is essential to promoting mental and emotional well-being, and it can also be a powerful tool for creating positive change in our lives. By accepting and valuing ourselves, we can build confidence, resilience, and a greater sense of self-worth, which can empower us to pursue our goals and aspirations with greater clarity and purpose. Ultimately, self-acceptance is a process that requires ongoing reflection, self-awareness, and self-compassion, and it is a lifelong journey toward greater self-love and self-fulfillment.

Talk to me about what women empowerment means to you and what it is not.

To me, women’s empowerment means creating a society where women are given equal opportunities, rights, and resources to live their lives to their fullest potential. It means breaking down the societal and cultural barriers that limit women’s freedom and choices, including gender-based discrimination, violence, and systemic inequalities. Women’s empowerment is about building a world where women have the power and agency to make decisions about their bodies, careers, and relationships, and where they are recognized and valued for their unique experiences, perspectives, and contributions.

However, it’s important to note that women’s empowerment is not about seeking power or dominance over men. Rather, it is about recognizing and challenging the power imbalances that have historically disadvantaged women and perpetuated gender-based oppression. Women’s empowerment is not a zero-sum game, but rather a collaborative effort to create a more just and equitable world for all. It is also not a one-time achievement, but rather an ongoing process of growth and progress that requires sustained effort, dedication, and collaboration.

Happiness and joy. Is there a path to happiness?

Happiness and joy are two important components of our overall well-being, but they differ in their duration and intensity. While joy is often a fleeting experience, happiness is a more enduring sense of contentment and fulfillment that arises from living a life that is aligned with our values and aspirations. While happiness can be influenced by factors such as genetics and external circumstances, research has shown that we can also actively cultivate happiness through practices such as gratitude, mindfulness, and social connection. Ultimately, the path to happiness may look different for each person, but it often involves a combination of personal growth, meaningful relationships, and a sense of purpose or contribution to the world.

I find writing cathartic and relaxing. What does it do for you?

For me, writing is a therapeutic and enjoyable activity. Writing helps me to organize my thoughts, process emotions, and reduce stress. However, I’ve seen that for many people, writing can also be a way to connect with others, they share their experiences and perspectives and contribute to a larger conversation. Ultimately, the benefits of writing will depend on the individual and their goals and motivations for engaging in this activity.

Talk to me about the city you live in and the food scene.

I live in Mumbai India, which is also known as the Financial Capital of our country. We have Bollywood here, haha…

Mumbai, also known as Bombay, is a bustling city in India with a vibrant food scene that reflects the region’s diverse cultural influences. From traditional street food like vada pav and pav bhaji to high-end dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, Mumbai offers a range of culinary experiences that cater to all tastes and budgets. The city is also known for its seafood specialties, including fresh crab, prawns, and pomfret, as well as its vegetarian cuisine, which includes a variety of flavorful curries and bread. Mumbai’s food scene is also influenced by the city’s history as a former British colony, with many restaurants offering fusion dishes that blend Indian and Western flavors. Whether you’re a foodie or simply looking for a delicious meal, Mumbai has something to offer for everyone.

How is your generation different from your mom’s and your grandma’s in terms of expectations, freedom, liberty, and a voice?

I am a millennial and we are a generation that has grown up in a rapidly changing world and has unique expectations, experiences, and perspectives compared to our moms and grandmoms. One of the key differences is the greater emphasis on individualism, self-expression, and social justice issues. We have grown up with greater access to information and technology, which has allowed for more open and diverse conversations and activism around issues such as gender equality, racial justice, and environmentalism. Additionally, we tend to prioritize experiences, work-life balance, and mental health in a way that differs from previous generations. They are also more likely to embrace non-traditional forms of work and entrepreneurship and to prioritize flexibility and autonomy in their careers.

Our generation places a greater emphasis on intersectional feminism, which recognizes that women’s experiences are shaped by multiple factors such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. We are also more likely to speak out about gender-based violence and discrimination and to prioritize issues such as equal pay and reproductive rights. One thing I might add is that social media has provided a platform for us women to share our experiences, connect with others, and organize for change. However, despite these gains, many challenges remain for women, and it is important to continue working toward true gender equality for all women.

The post Women’s empowerment through a millennial lens appeared first on Four Columns of a Balanced Life.

Peggy Bodde believes the workplace is an important area where Christians can demonstrate their faith through their actions and attitudes. Christians can be a positive influence on their colleagues and contribute to the company’s overall success.

Peggy Bodde believes that, rather than professing their faith, one of the key principles that Christians can follow in the workplace is to demonstrate integrity in all their actions. This means being honest, trustworthy, and reliable in their work. They should not compromise their beliefs or values for personal gain and should always strive to do what is right, even if it is unpopular or difficult.

Christians can also exhibit respect for their colleagues and superiors by treating everyone with dignity and kindness. This means avoiding gossip, rudeness, or any other negative behavior that can undermine teamwork and productivity. They should also be open-minded and willing to listen to different perspectives and ideas.

Another important principle for Christians in the workplace is to prioritize the well-being of others over personal gain. This means being generous with their time, resources, and talents, and showing compassion and empathy to those who are struggling or in need.

Finally, Christians can demonstrate a strong work ethic by being diligent, dependable, and proactive in their work. They should be willing to go the extra mile to ensure that their work is of the highest quality and meets the expectations of their colleagues and superiors.

In conclusion, Christians can set an example in the workplace by exhibiting integrity, respect, compassion, and diligence in their work. These principles can help them build positive relationships with their colleagues and contribute to the overall success of the company.

Peggy Bodde transitioned from senior vice president at Petzl America to a full-time writer and small business owner. Peggy Bodde runs a foundation called Sacred Work that provides women with free career and leadership coaching. She loves using words to encourage and empower women.

Peggy gets real about her life, her career, and challenges and has some great advice on networking and asking for a raise.

Peggy Bodde, I want to know something unique about you.

I think my origin story is a little different from most. I was out on my own at thirteen after a failed adoption, but the foster system was never involved. My adoptive parents were avid churchgoers, involved in the community, and kept an immaculate home. They adopted me when I was less than a year old. Despite outer appearances, they were unstable, and home was a dangerous place. When I left their house, I bounced around to various families until I landed with the Browns. They had five children already but welcomed me with no questions asked. I stayed there until I left for college.

My adoptive parents adamantly refused to give me any information about my birth mom or even my nationality. As a kid, I always thought of myself as a mutt. My adoptive parents were American and Japanese, but I had no idea what I was. I searched for my birth parents my entire life, and I finally found my birth mom seven years ago! She’s half-Italian and half-Polish, and my birth father is Chinese. She never told him she was pregnant, and he moved to a different state not long after she found out. My birth mom and aunts have become the family I never had. They love and accept me, and we make up for lost time every chance we get. God has redeemed my childhood years, and I am grateful.

Walk me through your transition from a vice president to a full-time writer and small business owner. What were the challenges?

I have to say that fear was my first biggest challenge. God had been prompting me to make this career change for several years. My degree is in English, and I’ve always loved writing. Throughout my business career, I was the resident scribe in addition to whatever formal title I held. I wrote everything from ad copy to job descriptions to policies and procedures. But—that’s very different from relying on writing as an income. I was afraid of the unknown and afraid of losing my corporate salary. I had a million excuses, which all came down to trusting God.

God knew that, so He gave me the push I needed when I was passed over for a big promotion. I was scheduled to interview for a C-suite position and ended up having emergency surgery on my spine. While I was in the hospital, my boss awarded the position to the other candidate. He wasn’t straightforward about what had happened. I found out from someone at our company headquarters.

This was a humbling, painful time, but God used it to show me that I had put my career on the throne. He had blessed me with my job to provide for me and my daughter, and I had allowed it to become an idol. Being passed over was a gift because it took me to a new level of surrender in my faith and propelled me into the career change God was calling me to make.

From that point, I mapped out a career transition plan with milestones, goals, a business plan, and a budget. In my last year at corporate, I started freelance writing on the side to make sure I could generate income. I researched all the necessary details and set up the framework for my business. After I resigned, I faced the next big challenge: chasing work. Because I wasn’t established as a writer, I aggressively pursued leads to maintain a steady income. I had saved a large chunk of money but chasing after work is stressful! Another challenge was trying to find my niche. I was writing and editing everything from fly-fishing articles to memoirs and web content. Finally, I settled into the educational publishing industry, and that is where I’ve stayed. I write textbooks remotely as my 9-5 job, and I write about the intersection between faith and work as my passion.

I love your tweets. You love using words to encourage and empower women. Talk to me about the power of words and how you are encouraging and empowering women.

Throughout my corporate career, I was passionate about mentoring others, especially women. I worked in a male-dominated industry for a male-dominated company, and I didn’t have access to female mentors. Early on, I made up my mind to fill that need for other women. I used my voice and words to encourage them, teach them, motivate them, and advocate for them. I spoke up on their behalf in the way I wished someone would have spoken up for me. I also equipped women to speak up for themselves: to negotiate, promote themselves, and deal with conflict.

When I left corporate, I knew God wouldn’t want me to shelve decades of business experience, so I founded a ministry called Sacred Work. Here, I provide free leadership and career coaching for women. I also help men, but most of my clients are women. I also just signed a contract with Moody Publishers for my first book: Sacred Work: A Christian Womans Guide to Leadership in the Marketplace. My hope is that this book can function as a pocket-sized mentor to women who need help with specific leadership challenges.

I find writing cathartic. What does writing do for you?

That’s interesting, Jerry because that’s the same reason I started writing! When I was a little girl, someone gave me a Strawberry Shortcake diary with a lock and key. I scribbled down everything that was happening in the home life that I didn’t understand. It was a way for me to process the world around me. I’ve continued journaling to this day. I also love that my journals are a written record of how big and how often God has shown up for me!

Who we are as followers of Christ informs what we do as leaders of people. I want to know more.

Too often, I think the faith community gets caught up in a scripted demonstration of what it means to be a Christian leader in the workplace. For example, always mentioning church when someone asks about the weekend or quoting the Bible to a coworker. Sometimes we put more effort into professing our faith than living it.

Leaders have to recognize that how we lead has the potential to make the biggest impact on God’s Kingdom. We demonstrate what it means to follow Christ with every decision we make, the words we speak, and how we treat our employees. Our relationship with Christ should prompt us to show excellence, broker hope, and love fully—this is how we embody Him at work.

Help me understand the Christian ethos of loving your neighbor at work.

Researchers say that over the course of a lifetime, we will have spent one-third of our lives at work. Whether we work remotely, in an office, or a combination of both—we spend big chunks of days and weeks engaging with our coworkers: over 2,000 hours a year. How we treat them is a much truer reflection of our faith than church attendance or going to a Bible study with friends.

There are simple actions we can take to love our neighbor at work:

Look for opportunities to encourage and support people: Ask God to open your eyes to those around you who may need help or a kind word. Then reach out. Send a message or an email. Make a call. Write a note. Buy the person coffee or lunch. Be present and listen.

Express gratitude: Thank people specifically and often. Is there someone who helped you meet an objective? Do you work with someone whose positive attitude is contagious? Did someone go out of her way to make your job easier? Be generous in giving recognition. Praise someone’s achievements in a meeting, to the person’s boss, or one-on-one.

Call out potential: If you notice employees with an aptitude or skill that may not be recognized or even official, let them know what you see. Encourage them to use their gifts, even if they work for someone else.

Invest time: Whether you’re a leader in your organization or not, choose to invest in the people around you. People who are new to the organization need to understand how the workplace culture works and could benefit from your experience. Informally mentor them to help them succeed.

A 25-year-old woman has been working very hard and wants to ask for a raise. Explain the process of how to go about it.

This is a great question. When I coach women through my foundation, they often ask for tips in this area. The negotiation process can feel overwhelming and intimidating, but it doesn’t have to. Here are the steps I recommend:

Have a macro understanding of what’s going on in the labor market, economy, and industry. Make sure you’re clear on how those factors are impacting your company.

Research and document salary ranges. I love spreadsheets! Document figures and sources. Be as detailed as possible. For example, you can’t just look for a marketing director; Drill down into marketing directors in companies your size and in your industry. Know how experience and education impact the range and where you fall.

Understand your company & total benefits package and how it compares to other companies. This will give you a well-rounded perspective as you enter into the negotiation process.

Document tangible accomplishments you’ve made for the company. Data needs to drive these accomplishments. What have you done to increase profitability, efficiency, or sales? How have you decreased turnover or increased engagement? What new responsibilities have you taken on? What were the measurable results? Quantify everything.

Identify your ask and what you’re willing to accept. Now that you have the documentation to back it up, name your number or a range. Then, make a list of three asks in priority order. Decide where you’ll draw a hard line. Remember, there are asks that fall outside of compensation (flexible schedules, education or training, title changes). Your list may include a mix.

Create a brief presentation to guide you through the negotiation process with your boss.

Schedule a separate meeting to present your request. Setting a meeting that’s outside of a standing one-to-one shows your boss that this is important: it’s a standalone topic.

If your boss needs time to think about your request, get a follow-up meeting on the calendar right then.

Networking is a big part of being in business. What are the dos and don’ts of networking for women?

This is an area I wish I would have paid more attention to when I was in corporate. I didn’t fully understand the value of networking. Many people are put off by the idea because it can feel fake and uncomfortable, but there are practical ways to do it.

Dos:

Reframe how you view networking. Every person has unique gifts and abilities, and no single person has every skill, talent, or depth of experience. We’re all better equipped to be our best and do our best when we’re connected to other people.
Identify your goal. Are you trying to find a job? Looking for a group of like-minded professionals? Selling a product or service? Searching for a mentor? Promoting a book? If you don’t set a goal, networking will never happen.
Create a plan. How will you spend the time you’ve set aside? This may change from week to week. You might use it to find in-person events, Facebook groups, or to make connections on LinkedIn. You can also use the time to follow up with contacts you already have. Before each week starts, create an outline of what you’re going to do based on your priorities and needs for that week.

Don’ts:

Be a taker and never give! You don’t want to be the person who only consumes content and asks for help or referrals. Engage with and support others. Proactively connect people who can help each other.
Fail to set up a system. Organize and document your connections. Some people use the Contacts app on their phones and others use a simple word document. Note the person’s contact information and other details such as where you met, or who introduced you. Jot down the date and something personal or helpful they shared with you or even a need they have.
Try to do it on your own. Find, join, or build groups with similar interests. One easy way to start is to look for groups that share the same goals. Choose keywords for an online search based on your goal. If you’re networking to find a job or meet professionals in your industry, search for groups on LinkedIn or Facebook.

I am fascinated by some of your posts and sayings. So in 50 words, I want to know what you mean by:

When our “sometimes” moments discourage us: We’re all human! We make mistakes and missteps. We get discouraged and sometimes fail, but these instances don’t define who we are. I believe God gives us a new identity when we trust Him, and that identity is secure and unchangeable.

God is not limited by our limitations: Because we can’t understand the vastness of who God is, we tend to limit what He can and will do. We hold back on asking His help because we think there may be a quota, yet His ability is endless and so is His willingness.

God is good, but is He safe? In Scripture, God allows Satan to torture Job. John the Baptist was beheaded. Jesus was crucified. Do I believe God is good and sovereign? Absolutely. But the Bible makes it clear that suffering is expected. As a childhood trauma survivor, I accept God’s sovereignty, but the only safety guarantee is the eternal one.

Finally, what is your message for my readers for 2023?

All good things start with one step. Your dream job, a promotion, the book you want to write, the blog you want to start, the career change you want to make—all these big dreams are possible. You simply have to start!

The post Peggy Bodde: Using words to encourage and empower women appeared first on Four Columns of a Balanced Life.

There is a reason I have listed the three together. I am being practical here. I cannot expect you to exercise and meditate daily in the morning. So try one of the above.

Regular exercise is good for you. Exercise releases feel-good endorphins and other natural brain chemicals. The morning is the conclusive time to energize your muscles through, weights, stretching, cardio, or walking.

The Mayo Clinic states that meditation gives you a sense of tranquility that is good for your physical, and mental health and emotional well-being.

The John Hopkins Institute states that listening to music exercises the brain and reduces blood pressure, anxiety and pain.

Research has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory.

The habits of exercising, meditating, and listening to music regularly will empower and transform you and result in better health, sleep, and mental alertness.

Check your emails, Read up on Your Industry

Stop looking at your smartphone first thing in the morning. Get up early, exercise, meditate, have a healthy breakfast and now look at your emails. Read up on what is happening in your industry. Watch a motivational video to prepare you for the day. This will transform and empower you to get ready for the day and give you the power of how you want to feel. Do not focus on social media to validate yourself.

Be around positive people. Remember I did not say, perfect people. It is essential to surround yourself with positive people because this habit will empower and transfer you to lasting success. Positive people are the catalyst to encourage you to become better and to deal with your daily challenges.

Positive people are in touch with reality. Positive people have your best interest at heart and want you to become better daily. This daily encouragement allows you to achieve your goals. You feel better about yourself and are full of energy.

Positive people are like honey. Everyone is drawn to them. Set yourself up for success. Surround yourself with positive people and become empowered and transform yourself to become a successful person.

Self-care is empowering and can transform you

What is self-care? Self-care is the intentional and concerned process of taking care of and improving your mental, emotional, physical, financial, and spiritual health with a balanced lifestyle. Self-care is taking care of yourself and it is very important. Self-care means taking good care of yourself. It is also about being kind to yourself and practicing self-compassion. However, not everything like drugs, alcohol, over-eating, or risk-taking that feels good is self-care. There is a big difference between self-care and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Self-care is good for you and has long-term benefits for the mind and the body.

The moment we align our goals, values, and ethos with our job, friends, charitable giving, and the various organizations that we are part of, cognitive dissonance disappears. We are happy. We live purpose-driven life. Everything makes sense.

Allow time for your body and brain to recharge. Reward yourself by relaxing, going for a massage, visiting a spa, or going for a swim and this will empower and transform you.

Have a few close and trusted friends

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