We live in a highly male-dominated world. Since decades, women have faced discrimination of all sorts and have constantly been asked to take a back seat that have hindered their growth. They are considered among the weaker sections of the society and have been deprived of many opportunities. But not anymore. Women have proved themselves time and again by excelling in fields like education, sports, engineering, politics, business, so on and so forth. While we are fighting against all odds to leave our individual mark in the society, sometimes we forget to take each other along. Women can achieve a lot more when we walk together, by lifting each other up.

The world portrays women as competitive, vindictive and marked by jealousy and manipulative. We have often heard people saying that one woman is the prime enemy of another woman. But this has considerably changed over the years, and women have stood up and collaborated with each other to fight the injustices of the male-dominated society. Smallest actions can make a huge difference. Start in your environment – at work, home and among your peers. To build a community of strong women, only we can empower each other. Be each other’s cheerleader and extend a hand of sisterhood. Here are some ways women can lift each other up instead of tearing each other down.

Ways women can empower each other   

Be each other’s cheerleader

At some point in our life we have often heard bitchy and nasty comments from our contemporaries at college, workplace, home and sometimes even friends. They have tried to put us down, so they can shine. What we need to adapt is to compliment each other and have a healthy competition. It can be as small as complimenting for their effort or ideas at work place or how beautiful they look today. Sincere compliments will brighten up one’s day and can be an amazing confident booster.

Help each other grow

Extend support at any chance you get. Be a friend, a sister and a well-wisher. When you see another girl struggling, assure her that you are going to be their support system. Everyone needs a supportive pal from time to time. Be compassionate towards one other and rather than being each other’s weakness, spread kindness and a source of strength. Empower your sisters to do better every day.

Shine on your own success

Don’t be jealous of somebody else’s success or victories. Path a way for your own success and express your own brilliance. You won’t feel the need to tarnish someone else’s glory if you become your own brilliant self. Be kind and do good. Another woman should not be scared to share her success with you by fearing that they will be badgered by their own success. If you understand how powerful you are, you will not be envious over meaningless things or by another woman’s success.   

Be a woman of wise words

It is relatively easy to gossip about another woman’s appearance, parenting skills and ways she used to climb up the ladder of success. We don’t have to agree with every woman that you cross paths with. But the least we could do is not trash-talk about another woman. Abrasive comments towards another woman is just done to make yourself feel good about yourself and can pass your time on a dull day. But it can be quite destructive. Instead appreciate each other’s hard work and perseverance. Don’t be too judgmental and find your integrity.

Be an advocate of zero tolerance

If you witness anybody in your workplace, society or among your friends putting down another woman, stand up against that crowd. Don’t let the bullying grow and stop tolerating abusive talk or behaviour among women. Don’t be a silent spectator or turn a blind eye. If you see another woman unable to handle the pressure of bullying or is being shunned, speak up on behalf of her. This way not only you are being a supporter but also a source of courage to the respective woman.

There is too much progress that we need to make in the world. And if we hold back one woman, we hold all women back. Let’s not dictate our actions based on what the world or the media portrays women as. If we want to achieve and prove ourselves to the world, we need to stop pitting ourselves against each other. To win big, we must empower and embrace every woman in the society. Everything will then seem fair and just. This International Women’s Day, unleash the Wonder Woman from within.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 06, 2018 02:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).