I want to share some simple actions of others that had a big impact on my life and choices. I hope these examples help you to be more aware of the things you can do to empower girls and women around you.
👧 Courage on the Football Field
As a young girl playing football, hearing adults around me say things like “Women cannot play football” had quite an impact on me. Just a few sentences of this one coach giving a football clinic for girls, gave me the courage to ignore those voices and a perspective to dream of. His simple advice to 8-year-old me: “If you want to make the national team, play as often as you can and play in a boys’ team, it will make you stronger”.
📚 High School Crossroads: Discovering STEM
In high school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, except for playing football. Still don’t understand why, but one day my math teacher suggested to check out econometrics, despite my lack of interest in her lessons. To her it was probably just a thought. For me it shaped my career, because I ended up pursuing that study.
💻 Tech Industry Insights: Recognizing My Value
Entering the tech industry with my math background, I noticed my peers were faster in figuring out all the technical details. I was often asking for help and was doubting my capabilities. Another colleague’s compliment on my ability to quickly come up with solutions to his questions and explain complex concepts helped me understand my unique strengths in tech. One simple compliment boosted my confidence and helped me find my place in the field.
🥏 Ultimate Frisbee: Taking Opportunities
Especially in sports, but also at work, I often observe women around me to shy away from opportunities if they feel they don’t meet all the requirements. I used to do this myself, until a friend encouraged me to try out for the national ultimate frisbee team. I didn’t want to go, because I was sure I lacked the necessary skills. He pushed to see it as a learning opportunity and just enjoy the training. I had fun and to my big surprise I got selected. This experience taught me the value of taking opportunities. Now every time I’m in doubt, I remind myself how sure I was to fail back then.
How You Can Make a Difference:
🌟 Highlight Potential: Always point out talents and strengths to others. A simple recognition can fuel self-confidence and motivation.
🚀 Promote Risk-Taking: Encourage taking on challenges, even if there’s uncertainty about meeting all criteria. It’s better to try and learn than to not try at all.
🔍 Share Success Stories: Visibility of achievements can inspire and encourage others to pursue their goals.
To anyone in doubt, just give it a try! 💪🏼
InternationalWomensDay #Empowerment #Inclusion #WomenInTech #WomenInSports
📷 11-year old me: “Became 2nd with penalty shootouts and 1st of my group. Everyone liked it that a girl almost defeated all the boys”
