2014 AASA & ACSA Women in School Leadership Forum

Elizabeth Zamora-Mejia will be co-presenting on Thursday, at 9:45 a.m. on how women can better ensure their voice is heard.

Having a seat at the table is not the same as having a voice: Advice for women to ensure their voice is heard

In the twenty-first century we are still plagued with the detrimental effects of sexism expressed in gendered socialization and a default cultural preference for institutionalized male domination of public life. Globally, childhood politeness lessons are asymmetrical-we socialize girls to take turns, listen more carefully, and resist interrupting in ways we do not expect boys to. As a result, women’s speech is granted less authority and credibility. Men speak more, more often, and longer than women in mixed groups (classrooms, boardrooms, and legislative bodies). Correspondingly, in male-dominated problem solving groups including boards, committees, and legislatures, men speak up 75% more than women, with negative effects on decisions reached – which is why having a seat at the table is not the same as having a voice.

During this engaging session we will deconstruct the normative behavior that impedes the success of school-age girls, and consequently, women in the workplace. We will discuss the strategies necessary to overcome engrained social barriers and ensure your voice is heard.