I’m still speaking: The urgent need to keep making room for women’s voices to shine

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the power of our voices – how standing up and speaking out can resonate deeply when we trust our instincts and follow our hearts.  

And I’ve wondered, how can we, as women leaders, make our voices heard effectively in a world that often overlooks or silences us? In a landscape where grown adults in powerful positions still feel entitled to ignore our voices and or make fun of our laughter?  (A shoutout to Vice President Kamala Harris who boldly uses her voice to speak – and to laugh.)

Jessica Doyle-Mekkes reminds us that when we speak up, we’re not just advocating for ourselves, but for our communities, for future generations, and for our daughters.

As Doyle-Mekkes writes, your voice becomes powerful when you “Speak with authenticity. Speak up when you see someone wronged. And speak for yourself.”

I owe a debt, every day, to the fearless and brave women who spoke up so I now have a place in academia and leadership. Those who said what needed to be said so grown adults in powerful positions now also include powerful women.

Regardless of our politics, let’s create spaces where women’s voices are heard and valued. Where disregarding half the world’s population is no longer acceptable. Where we genuinely listen to others – even when their ideas differ from our own.

As Doyle Mekkes says…

I’m still speaking.