After pixs of me were tagged in Facebook, I had some
queries from my female travel mates and social influencers who wanted to find
out more about Google’s Womenwill initiative.
Well, I was told that night that through Womenwill, Google is
keen to empower women through training, events and advocacy. It has been organising a
number of activities since its launch.
Why women? Because we make up half of the world’s 7.63 billion
population and by equipping us with technology and the necessary skills, women will be inspired as they connect with one another.
Collaborating with Google Business Group chapters, Womenwill
hopes to address the gender gap between men and women, particularly when it
comes to economic opportunities for women.
Womenwill’s other noble objective is to help women learn,
connect, succeed and be heard. Its objectives will be achieved through four
programme areas, namely digital literacy, entrepreneurship, inclusive workplace
and leadership.
At the lead workshop: Instilling Self-Confidence, Julia Koh
from Womenwill KL Lead told us that our session that night was focused on the
leadership pillar. Raising questions like “How do women see themselves”, “Where
do we shine?” and how women are depicted by the media, Julia, who is also
Brand360 founder, remarked: “We want to be known for the work we do.”
This is particularly true of Asian women who are very modest about their achievements. “Be more vocal, you are not gripping,” said Julia.
It’s time that women own their success and we can start by writing it down personally. While we recognise others for their success, we should learn to focus on our own value.
Julia also reminded that we should not allow our fears and insecurities to rob us of our self-confidence. We can start by writing down what we feared last year and how we overcame it.
Another thing we can do is to list down our strengths and
weaknesses, and what are the things that holds us back, thus affecting the
confidence in ourselves.
“Find a way to turn those negative thoughts into positive
ones. Have the courage to go for the things you want,” she encouraged the women
in the room. “Write down where you want to go and what are the things that will
lead you there.
“What are the 10 things you enjoy doing? What are the three
things you enjoy doing daily? What are your most important values?” These are
among the things you can do for a start as you embark on this journey of
self-discovery.
Gorgeous Geeks is one of the supporting partners for Google’s Womenwill. Its president Alecia Heng observed that women are good in their jobs but do not know how to present themselves. “Women are too comfortable in their domain.”
Gorgeous Geeks is one of the supporting partners for Google’s Womenwill. Its president Alecia Heng observed that women are good in their jobs but do not know how to present themselves. “Women are too comfortable in their domain.”
Alecia, who is also ATD Solution director, felt that it is
imperative for them to have content, be able to offer solutions and get others
to support their idea. “Be yourself but at the same time be sensitive to those
around you.”
Another speaker that night, Alison Chin, chief executive officer of Curves Malaysia, an American fitness franchise for women, also concurred that
women tend to put themselves at the bottom of list.
Her advice to women is, "Keep learning and equipped yourselves
with technical knowledge. Additionally, surround
yourself with like-minded people."
By doing so, she has learnt more about being affirmative
and having greater self-belief. Alison has also started a gratitude journal
where she lists down at least one thing that has impacted her.
Well, I hope all these ideas will inspire all the women out
there to improve themselves further.
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