THE POWER OF ROLE MODELS
Let’s hear it for the inspirational women in our lives!
Whether we realise it or not, the people in our lives influence who we become and the values we stand for. For most of us, our first powerful role models are our mums and, throughout our lives, that list grows as we meet many amazing women who influence and inspire us.
“Female role models can have a tremendous impact on the lives of many people around them, especially other women and girls,” explains psychologist Nancy Sokarno.
In a world that’s still maledominated, research shows female role models can help negate gender biases, breaking down institutional barriers and negative stereotypes.
“Having a role model is an advantage for anyone’s life because they can act as a constant source of inspiration while positively influencing their actions and motivating them to strive to uncover their true potential,” tells Nancy.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, Nancy explains why it’s time to salute those who have helped shape us...
KNOW WHO THEY ARE
Take a moment to look around you, notice and then celebrate those women in your life who are role models to so many – sometimes without even realising it. That busy working mum, your sweet grandma or the professional mentor you have at work who can seemingly juggle everything. Whoever it is and whatever they’re doing should not go unnoticed. We should celebrate and acknowledge all the great things these women do.
RESIST COMPETITION
Sometimes it’s easy to see the other women in our life as competition because we’re eyeing the same promotion, or we are envious of their appearance or life, or because of insecurities we have.
But we should try to forget about being competitive and be empowering instead. The long way women have come is only because we stood by each other’s sides to fight for our rights and liberties.
Make an effort to lift other women up, encourage them, offer advice, mentor them, be a shoulder to cry on and become a person that other women can look up to.
Stand up for other women, discourage any gender bias, and speak and act with honesty. Most importantly, remember that one woman’s success can truly be all women’s success.
SHOW YOUR APPRECIATION
It’s likely that you have a great network of women around you, but do they really know how much they mean to you?
Take a moment to send some honest words to the women in your life to let them know how much you appreciate them.
If you’re not comfortable with having that kind of open, direct conversation, that’s OK – you can show your appreciation in other ways, like sending some flowers with a beautiful note!
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
Women can be extremely powerful when they unite and show support for each other. Joining forces with other people, especially women, encourages them to follow their passions and voice their opinions.
When you show other women that you think they have value and potential, you can transform their lives. Showing support, such as
lifting someone else up, is a positive social interaction. These exchanges can add pleasing moments and even years to your life.
DARE TO INSPIRE
Also try to be a good role model yourself. Make a point of being openly supportive and positive towards other women, and where you can, express this verbally through compliments. Take your time to applaud other women’s success, using their wins as inspiration for your own or to show your children.