Women Shouldn’t Have to Man-Up

I don’t mind living in a man’s world as long as I can be a woman in it.  Marilyn Monroe

The lyrics of the great legend James Brown rings out in our ears, “It’s a man’s world, this is a man’s world. But it wouldn’t be nothing without a woman or a girl.” I am quite fond of these lyrics. They speak to the very nature of society despite the controversies of what we see and hear around us daily. Ladies, we have heard men reference the beginning of Brown’s hit song but leave out the latter and men you have heard the ladies anthem song by the talented Beyonce’ titled, “Run the World (Girls)”. You see, we both feel entitled to the entire pie, but why not share the pie?

Why do women feel the need to “man-up” or even compete in a male-dominant field?

Let’s state the obvious, we live in the 21st century where a majority of the men make more money than women. According to a recent study conducted by the National Science Foundation, men outnumber women in all occupations involving scientists and engineering. These facts has caused radical feminists to go on a tirade about how women are discriminated against, women rights are violated, and even seek social equality. The solution to the problem is not women rallying to prove that they need to take back something they feel entitled to. These facts are not to say that men have the upper hand; quite the contrary. While gaining an opportunity to work in any field should be based on experience and meeting the corporation needs, when it comes to women feeling the need to “man-up”, it might be time to consider new goals and priorities.

Women, embrace the unique gifts you have to impact the world.

Niesha Butler, a former female basketball player and founder of SportsDBN, understands completely what the world is like to live in a predominantly male arena. She states, “I have a problem with feminists who try to take away your sexuality.” I totally agree with this statement. I mean, why is the focus on gender instead of expertise and personality? According to a Fortune article, women do better when playing up their masculine skills, such as assertiveness and independence. I believe women should not have to compromise who they are to meet the male standard, but demonstrate confidence and the ability to perform well in the profession she is seeking. Butler’s advice to women is to encourage them to embrace their unique attributes and have a career in which they enjoy. She adds that women are not men, so they should not have to bargain their own appeal. As the CEO and Founder of a tech company involving giving athletes a voice and platform to share their athletic achievements and abilities with the sports community, Butler explains that men are women’s greatest asset in the world of sports. Why shut men out of a field in which they contribute the most in this field. To learn more about Niesha Butler and her company, follow her via Facebook.

There is more to a woman than her outward appearance.

Ladies, we have a lot of potential and even greater, we are innovative and smart! We have talents and fashion! We are a valuable asset to any profession and are very influential. We do not have to act “manly” to be successful. We should not have to take on male qualities and characteristics to achieve freedom and equality. As we continue to make strides and close the gender gap in the tech field, let’s be confident in being ourselves. As women learn how to code, a greater sense of credence will develop to impact generations to follow. Society is changing and guess who is turning the wheel? Yes, women! So, raise a glass ladies; for success starts with being true to ourselves.