It is not easy to be heard in this male-dominated society. The workplaces too, are often gender-biased and sexist. It makes it even more challenging for women to work there, survive the whole ordeal and emerge successful. But giving up is not the option, right? Women need to fight back against all the odds and emerge victorious.

Changes are required at various levels regarding the people’s perception of and the treatment given to women. Working women are no less than the working men. But we cannot sit and wait for the change to take place. We have to lead the way ourselves.

The question is: from where to start? The answer is simple: start with the person in the mirror. Be confident about yourself and be the change you want to see in this society.

Women often face the problem of being unheard at their workplace. People take women for granted and don’t pay attention to what they say and often overlook their opinions and orders. Rules are rules and they ought to be the same for both the genders, but sadly, this is not the case. There is an evident difference between the rules for men and women at the workplace.

What can be done to have your say at the workplace, which is highly competitive and is usually gender-biased?

 Here are 10 hacks that would help you overcome this problem at your workplace:

1. Focus on personal branding: Personal branding is very important, yet most often ignored factor. How you project yourself is very crucial in the corporate. The way you dress-up, speak, walk and present yourself makes a difference on the people’s perception of you. Stay presentable and maintain a professional decorum in order to gain respect of your co-workers and have a positive perception of you on their minds.

1. Be decisive: Women are thought of as weak decision-makers. Women, right from their childhood, are taught to keep others above them and to be obey and follow what is being said to them. Especially in Indian societies, women are often not involved in the decision-making at the household level and this re-construct their personality to that of a poor decision-maker. Breaking this circle is very important if you want to succeed at your workplace. Be assertive and have the decision-making ability. If you don’t then you would be taken advantage of and would end up doing other’s tasks and ignored. Be firm with your projections and decisions.

1. Networking skills: Whom you know is very important in the corporate world. Having a strong and relevant network of people around you is going to help in your professional life. Being in touch with people of your domain, profile and the seniors or higher authorities can benefit you in terms of your career and professional and personal development. Work towards expanding your network. Be a part of the official parties, meeting and other social gathering to get in touch with higher official which you might not otherwise get a chance to. Getting the right people to your network in the right way is the key to succeed.

1. Hold on to professionalism: Socializing is good, but you should set some limits while socializing with your colleagues if you want to be respected and not to be taken for granted or casually. Don't publicize your personal life to your office colleagues and on the social media platforms too, share in limitation and keep a check while adding your peers to your social network.

1. Be an active participant in office meetings: By being active it doesn’t mean to just be an active listener but also to speak up when required. Don't miss a chance to showcase your skills, ideas and opinions when asked for. Refrain from making unnecessary comments, though. Always reach before time at the office meeting. Speak in a professional fashion. Listen to what the members have to say and speak up confidently when asked for any suggestions. Even if you are to question, put up your question firmly yet not aggressively.

1. Keep on learning: Learning is a continuous process and one never stops learning in his/her life. To stay updated and informed, read as much as you can and gain new skills, certifications and qualifications. This will enhance you professionally and personally. This will help you in gaining respect and recognition at your workplace.

1. Don't be the ‘Mother India’: Women are thought to be overly emotional and heart driven. Don't let your emotion dominate you at the workplace. Always helping others regardless of people asking you, getting coffee for people, remembering everyone’s birthdays and being expected to do itsy-bitsy tasks for the employees are some activities that give you the tag of ‘Mother India’. You are most likely to be taken advantage of if you continue like this. Be gentle and helping, but within limits and do not overdo yourself for others.

1. Stop taking every arrow at you: While you might be struggling with PMS (Premenstrual syndrome), you just cannot take everything on you and sit back crying. You might be upset someday, but you cannot go on blaming other people or getting angry at them. If you are disappointed in someone, before venting out you need to be calm and composed before confronting the issue. Be rational and present reasons for your grievances. Don't let people think that you are just struggling with your hormones and there is nothing to be considered actually. Be very calculative and rational with your approach.

1. Stay open for opportunities: You need to fling open your gate when opportunity knocks or might even keep it open. Try to identify the opportunities for growth coming your way and grab them timely. Accept the challenges in your way and progress towards your goal. This will help you grow professionally. Become a go-getter.

1. Don't let the gender stereotypes define you: The gender-biased society live by some gender-stereotypical thoughts. Don't add fuel to them. Neither believe in the gender stereotypes for women nor allow them to establish them more. Be a path breaker and head towards your aim. Trust your capabilities more than anything else. Your gender doesn’t define you as a professional, your work does. Work hard and smart to prove yourself.

These 10 tips will help you establish yourself at your workplace and succeed professionally. Would you like to add something to this list? Turacoz Foundation would be glad to invite in your opinions or suggestions. Write to us at [email protected]

To be a part of our growing family or to know about us, you can drop a Hi at the above-mentioned mail address. At Turacoz, we strongly believe that a woman is More Than Just A Gender, and we are constantly working towards women empowerment. Join us to be a part of our journey.