We’re not much into New Year’s resolutions here at SHE DEFINED but we do believe in setting goals and following an ethos.

This year, like every other year, our purpose is to support women – women from all walks of life, women in the workforce and women who truly want to live an extraordinary life.

Why? Because women do better together. Instead of tearing each other down, women can empower, encourage and inspire each other. We can lift each other up.

If you’re looking for a resolution, a goal or a principle to follow, we challenge you to make it the year where you become a supporter of the women around you, be that the women you work with, the women who make up your circle of friends, or the women who may not be as fortunate as you.

Together, we can champion other women. Together, we can become the best we can be.

Here are 10 ways you can support and empower the women in your life this year:

1. Show up for women

Call, text, check in, listen, offer a shoulder to cry on and show up for the women in your life. Become an advocate for supporting the women in your circle every day.

2. Support a female business owner

Whether a woman in your life is just starting a business, has an established business or runs a sole operation, support her in any way you can. Buy the products she sells, recommend her services to those who could use them, or simply tell people in your network that their business exists. Everyone benefits when women succeed in business.

3. Be honest

In the current climate, we are all craving transparency and authenticity. When engaging with women, be open about everything – your wins and losses, how you negotiated that pay rise, how you overcame a relationship hurdle, why you decided to get lip fillers or botox, your true exercise regime and eating habits, and so on. Keeping secrets can breed jealousy and many of us are insecure about the unknown. By being honest, we can empower each other and create an understanding of shared experiences, good or bad.

4. Stop tearing women down

Tearing women down helps no one, including you.

5. Praise women differently

Compliment women on their outstanding qualities. Avoid saying ‘you look pretty’ and rather opt for ‘you are kind’, ‘you are intelligent’ or ‘you are brave’. Remind the women in your life, at every opportunity, that they have more to be proud of and are worth so much more than their physical attributes.

6. Work with women

If you are in a position to, hire women, coach women, mentor women, guide women, educate women. Contribute to a future where women can fulfil their potential.

7. Collaborate with women

Seeing other women as your competition only generates insecurity and negativity. Are there ways that you can collaborate with women who inspire you? Are there mutually beneficial ways to help each other? Remember, women do better together.

8. Introduce your female friends to other women

I’ve met some of the most encouraging and supportive women I know through my existing network. I’ve not only made new friends but broadened my own network of women who I can champion. If there haven’t been any opportunities for you to meet new women, ask your friends for an introduction or reach out and connect with them via social media.

9. Cut women some slack

Criticism and judgement simply don’t have a place when it comes to supporting women in your life. We can’t always bring our A-game, we all make mistakes, and life can be tough at times. Let’s stop being so hard on each other and instead be more forgiving.

10. Use your voice

Join a female support group, attend a women’s rights march, speak at a gala, open conversations about feminism, and be vocal in standing up for women. Sites like Serious Women offer a platform for women to voice their opinions and empower themselves. Do it for yourself and do it for all the women you know and love.

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TELL US: Are there other ways you like to support and empower women? If so, please share it in the comments section below.

 

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on January 6, 2019 and has been updated to include new information.