Women in Government: Overcoming Challenges for Career Advancement
Despite great strides forward, many women in the federal government still struggle to advance in their career paths and face obstacles in achieving gender equality in the workforce. Women can not only face systemic inequities that can prohibit their growth throughout their career, but they may also contend with the day-to-day challenges of working in an environment that contains unconscious — or conscious — gender bias.
Our latest ebook, Women in Government: Overcoming Challenges for Career Advancement, is authored by Debbie Eshelman, a federal workforce expert, and supported by real-world advice from women who have attained leadership positions within the federal government aimed at current and aspiring federal leaders. The author offers practical strategies to advance gender equity and help women advance in their careers. Issues addressed include:
Correcting limiting perceptions of women’s capabilities
Women must contend with harmful stereotypes that interfere with their ability to achieve promotions and negatively impact their confidence. They are expected to speak, act, and think differently than men and experience high levels of gender bias in the workplace. How can federal leaders create safe spaces for women that will enable them to achieve their career goals as their authentic selves?
Recognizing women’s talent and hard work
Women are less likely to be praised for their professional commitment and achievements while simultaneously being held to a higher standard than men. Both the expert and interviewees offer insight into the importance of recognition and why federal agencies cannot afford to uphold unfair practices.
Reexamining hiring and selection practices
A close look at hiring practices shows that gender bias has prevented women from securing jobs, even within the federal government. The ebook outlines methods that can improve hiring practices for federal agencies by removing unconscious biases, structuring efficient interview panels, and taking a broader view of job qualifications.
Driving change through self-advocacy
While the previous strategies are directed toward federal agencies to combat gender inequality, the final section focuses on individual opportunities women can seize on their own — to take the reins and achieve their goals.
Although the current Cabinet includes a record number of women, gender bias is still felt by women across the workforce. This ebook provides a roadmap to help agencies strengthen and diversify their workforce by correcting systemic gender bias issues and empowering women to make their voices heard. Download your free copy today.
