A Woman Like You: Why Representation Matters
It’s hard to be what you can’t see, so how can we use our stories to help represent and inspire future generations?
House of Holland, Show your True Colors, Flaunt Magazine
TO HAVE THEM
Having someone to look up to in life can be key, especially regarding our careers. Role models help us grow, provide inspiration and even challenge us in our pursuits.
It grants us confidence if someone has gone before us and paved the way for the path we hope to walk.
For someone to move from just another successful name to someone we genuinely use as a marker for our potential, we need to be able to resonate with them on a personal level.
Often, this connection happens when we see a similarity between us and them. Whether it’s a similar background, a mutual interest or that they look how we do, seeing our identity in someone who is where we want to be, makes our dreams seem more feasible.
We all come from different walks of life, so we will all relate to others for different reasons, which is why diversity in representation matters.
RED CARD
Recently, England’s Women Football Squad have been questioned due to its lack of diversity amongst players.
With sports being a sphere many take motivation from, due to the commitment and ambition displayed by athletes, some have been quick to point out why this lack of diversity is a problem.
Former football player, Anita Asante, wrote in an article for The Guardian, ‘Young girls who cannot see anyone who looks like they do lack heroines to emulate – and that matters.’
Others were also sure to note the diversity of players seen in other teams compared to the UK’s team.
While both make the point that diversity matters, they are also sure to recognise the foundational problem which led to a team which lacks visibility for many looking on.
Asante continues to write, ‘The English female scouting system lacks sufficient bodies on the ground, the necessary resources and the imagination required to look in the right places.’
In order to change this, someone is required to adjust the norm and do something not done before. Unchartered water like this comes without a blueprint to follow and no prior proof that the aim is possible.
TO BE THEM
As ambitious women who want to impact the world around us, we too might find ourselves in a position where we are the first to break glass ceilings in regards to our gender, race or doing something different.
And, whilst this is a worthy pursuit, it can also be a lonely one.
Challenging the status quo will never be easy. We will come across those who don’t believe in our mission, and we ourselves might doubt what we’re capable of doing.
However, it is only through these courageous moves that change can come about.
If we are struggling to make new ground without a human role model, perhaps we can look to God instead.
‘God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.’ Acts 17:27, NIV.
Throughout the Bible, we're frequently reminded that God is always with us in whatever we are doing and that we can ask Him for guidance and wisdom.
Through this, we can find bravery and seek knowledge to go forward.
PASSING THE BATON
While we might not set out with the intent of becoming role models for others, this can be a natural byproduct of trying to change the current state of affairs.
In fact, in faith, we are encouraged to use our light for good and to lead by example wherever we are in life.
When opening new doors, one way of ensuring gain goes beyond personal is to ensure we continue holding the door open for those behind us.
‘Don't withhold good from someone who deserves it, when it is in your power to do so.’ Proverbs 3:27, NIV.
When we have the ability and the opportunity to help someone, it becomes our duty to do so.
While treading unknown territory can be daunting, choosing fortitude over fear and creating change, opens up possibilities for others to do the same.
If it feels like a struggle at the moment, be encouraged to keep going for you never know who needs someone like you doing what you’re doing.
Let us reflect on how we can be forthright with the parts of our story or identity that can empower and open the door for others in a similar place.
WORDS BY
Ellie Dalton
