“Girl Boss” Culture Doesn’t Empower Women In The Workplace: Here’s Why
The following column is the opinion and analysis of the writer, Katharina Buczek.
If you’re a woman in the workforce, you have definitely heard the term “girl boss” thrown around.
The phrase is typically used to describe successful women who are unapologetically ambitious and driven. And at first, it was meant to empower us.
After reflecting more on “girl boss” culture, though, it has become clear that the phrase is actually quite harmful.
Think about it this way– why do men get the traditional “boss” title, but women need their gender tied to their job? Would you ever tell a 5-year-old boy that he could grow up to be a boss while turning to a 5-year-old girl and telling her she could be a “girl boss?” Probably not.
Nonetheless, the usage of “girl boss” in popular culture perpetuates the idea that a woman is stepping into a man’s shoes and doing a man’s job– which could not be more false.
We all know that women are more than capable of launching and running their own successful companies. In 2021, approximately 40% of businesses in the United States were even launched by women entrepreneurs!
So, I think we can all agree that while the phrase “girl boss” might have been created with good intentions, it is only leading to the belittlement of women’s accomplishments in business.
To help put a stop to this, here are some key tips you can use to reframe your thinking and make an impact at your own workplace.
Yuri Arcurs/peopleimages.com – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
Start By Avoiding The Use Of The Term “Girl Boss”
While it may seem like a harmless phrase, using the term “girl boss” can contribute to the problem. It implies that women need to qualify their success with their gender rather than simply being successful in their own right.
It can also be seen as infantilizing and undermining the accomplishments of women who have worked hard to achieve success in their careers.
Instead of using this term, try to focus on individuals’ specific accomplishments and qualifications. For example, you could refer to someone as a “successful businesswoman” or a “high-achieving professional” rather than a “girl boss.”
Focus On Your Accomplishments
Instead of trying to fit into the “girl boss” mold, focus on your own accomplishments and what makes you successful. Don’t feel like you need to fit into a certain stereotype to be considered a successful woman in the workforce.
Instead, think about what specific skills and achievements have helped you get to where you are today. By focusing on your specific strengths and accomplishments, you can build confidence and create a stronger personal brand.
Support Other Women
One of the issues with “girl boss” culture is that it can create a competitive environment where women are pitted against each other. To combat this, it’s important to make an effort to support other women in your field and lift each other up.
This could mean networking with other women in your industry, mentoring younger women who are just starting out or even just being a listening ear for a colleague who needs support.
By building a strong network of women in your field, you can create a more supportive and collaborative work environment.
Challenge Toxic Work Environments
If you notice that your workplace is perpetuating “girl boss” culture or other toxic behaviors, it’s important to speak up and try to make a change. This can be difficult, but it’s crucial to create a more supportive and inclusive work environment.
This could mean having a conversation with a coworker or supervisor about how certain behaviors or language are making you feel uncomfortable.
It could also mean bringing up these issues during team meetings or other company-wide discussions.
Some coworkers or superiors may not even realize how the phrase “girl boss” is damaging to the perception of women in the workplace. So, by calling attention to the issue, you can jumpstart meaningful and constructive conversations.
Embrace Your Femininity
Lastly, it’s important to embrace your femininity and not feel like you need to downplay your gender in order to be successful. Women should feel empowered to be themselves and not feel like they need to conform to societal expectations in order to succeed.
This could mean dressing in a way that makes you feel confident and professional or incorporating your personal interests and passions into your work.
By embracing your femininity and being true to yourself, you can build a stronger personal brand and be more successful in your career.
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