Sister Table Talk

Workplace discrimination is a harsh reality for many women, particularly those navigating economic instability. Experiencing biased treatment based on gender, race, age, or other characteristics not only impacts career growth but also chips away at confidence and self-worth. Understanding your rights is the first step to overcoming workplace discrimination, and this blog explores what constitutes discrimination, your legal protections, and the steps you can take to address it. What Is Workplace Discrimination? Workplace discrimination occurs when an employee is treated unfairly or unequally due to specific characteristics such as: Gender Race or ethnicity Age Religion Disability Pregnancy National origin Discrimination can manifest in various ways, including unequal pay, denial of promotions, harassment, or wrongful termination. Know Your Legal Protections Several laws are in place to protect employees from workplace discrimination: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (1964) - T...

In a recent congressional hearing, Representative Melanie Stansbury delivered a passionate and pointed critique of proposed legislation for the federal government's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Her speech reveals deep concerns about the bill's intentions beyond simple policy changes. The Proposed Legislation and Its Implications The bill, co-sponsored by Senator JD Vance, aims to dismantle DEI programs across all federal agencies. Stansbury argues the legislation is not about improving government efficiency but rather about implementing a systematic "purge" of federal employees. Key Criticisms: Blacklisting Concerns: The bill includes a controversial provision that would create lists of federal employees and contractors permanently ineligible for government work. Stansbury draws a stark parallel to the McCarthy era, calling it a modern form of blacklisting reminiscent of the 1950s House Un-American Activities Committee. Qualifications and ...

The outcome of an election tells a story about what people value, prioritize, and concern them at that moment in history. The decision to elect Donald Trump instead of Madam Vice President Kamala Harris carries complex implications. On the surface, this choice reflects political leanings and party preferences. However, on a deeper level, it reveals significant insights about representation, leadership style, and the desire for change. Desire for Traditional Leadership Models Voters viewed the assertive leadership style of Donald Trump as the strength that aligns with the confidence and dominance they desire from a leader. The leadership style of Kamala Harris offered a more progressive, empathetic, and collaborative model that resonated with voters who regard leadership as more than command and control; however, this led voters to opt for a more traditional figure like Trump - a demonstration of how Americans view his style as power through dominance rather than power through coll...

In recent decades, women have made incredible strides in leadership (e.g., roles in government, business, and communities). Even though society has moved towards some form of inclusivity, many men struggle to accept women as leaders, and the following explains why this reflects broader societal issues. Cultural Conditioning and Traditional Gender Roles - Traditional gender roles have influenced the perceptions of men and women in the workplace and home in many societies. Historically, men were seen as leaders and providers, while women focused on home and family. These roles have evolved; however, the remnants of these beliefs remain, affecting how some men perceive women in positions of power, disrupting their long-held views, and creating discomfort and resistance. Fear of Loss of Power and Privilege - Leadership is a symbol of power and control, and the rise of women leaders can threaten men accustomed to male-dominated environments to feel like they are losing control o...

Women of color face various challenges in the corporate culture, such as low representation in leadership roles, leading to feelings of isolation. To address this, companies should prioritize diversity in hiring and promotions and create mentorship programs. Implicit biases and microaggressions create a hostile work environment, so diversity and inclusion training and reporting mechanisms for discrimination incidents are essential. Pay inequality is a significant issue, impacting financial security and career satisfaction. Salary audits will ensure equitable compensation, along with providing negotiation training and resources. Access to professional development opportunities is limited, so equal training and leadership programs should be available. Balancing work and personal responsibilities is challenging, so flexible work arrangements and access to resources like childcare support are crucial. To create an inclusive culture, establishing diversity councils and training leaders ...

What we do in the dark shall come to light is a condensed, interpretative verse of Luke 12:2-3 . This verse explains how our deep, dark secrets or sins can rise to the surface despite our efforts to bury or keep them hidden. This blog post discusses the allegations, denial, and confessed abuse of Sean P. Diddy Combs against Cassandra 'Cassie' Ventura. In November 2023, Ms. Ventura settled a lawsuit against Mr. Combs for his alleged sex trafficking and sexual assault during their relationship; however, Mr. Combs vehemently denied the allegations, and his attorneys called the lawsuits and accusations as money grabs, baseless, or sickening . Surveillance footage obtained by CNN on May 17, 2023 , shows Mr. Combs's actions corroborating with Ms. Ventura's originally filed complaint - Mr. Combs chasing Ms. Ventura down the hallway of the InterContinental Hotel in Century City, Los Angeles, forcibly grabbing her by the back of her sweater, throwing her to the ground, and ...

Cybersecurity is more critical than ever in protecting our data, privacy, and infrastructure from cyber threats - leading to a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals. However, this industry lacks diversity, particularly among Women of Color, and educating and empowering Women of Color with cybersecurity skills is essential in decreasing the cybersecurity skills gap and the evolving cyber threats facing our society. Following are a few strategies to close this gap and foster a more diverse and inclusive cybersecurity workforce. Recognizing the Disparity Women of Color remain vastly underrepresented in cybersecurity careers. They face systemic barriers and biases that hinder their participation and advancement in the field. Recent studies reveal that women make up a small percentage of the cybersecurity workforce, with Women of Color representing an even smaller fraction. This disparity deprives the industry of diverse perspectives and talents that perpetuate inequalities in o...

Divorce can be one of life's most challenging experiences for women, but it's also an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and starting anew. For many women, navigating the aftermath of a divorce can feel overwhelming; however, with the right mindset and support, women can emerge and be ready to embrace a new chapter in their lives. In this blog post, we'll explore empowering steps to help women rebuild their lives after divorce and embark on their journey of healing and personal reinvention. Allow Yourself to Grieve - The end of a marriage is a significant loss, and it's essential to permit yourself to grieve. Allow yourself to feel the full range of emotions that come with divorce, whether it's sadness, anger, or confusion. Seek support from friends, family, or a therapist who can provide a listening ear and help you navigate this emotional journey. Focus on Self-Care - During this challenging time, self-care becomes more important than ever. Make time for...

According to Fortune Magazine , the average Black woman will have finally earned the same amount the average non-Hispanic white man earned a year earlier—eight months later. That’s a problem, not just for Black women who lose out on $900,000 in lifetime earnings, but for everyone. Black women who normally are the heads of their households (i.e., primary breadwinners) earn 63 cents of every dollar a white man makes. Shannon Williams, director of Equal Pay Today - a project of Equal Rights Advocates stated, "The issue of equal pay is not just a woman’s issue because it trickles down into our families, communities, and the overall economy." The Black Women’s Wage Gap is a problem for everyone, but everyone isn’t working to address it! One way to close the wage gap is to close the skill gap. The SOFEI Group is working to decrease pay inequity among women of color through free professional, technical, and certification training for women who want to upgrade their skills to el...

A husband would never have to ask his wife to submit if he’s submitting his will to God. And, it’s quite challenging to surrender your will to a man who doesn’t know his mission for God, his life, and family. God called man to be the head (leader) of his family; not the boss! There is a difference. When husbands recognize and acknowledge God’s will for them to lead like Jesus led, (i.e., without coercion, but by example), their family will follow with honor and respect; without resistance.

Having access to statistics about the status of women (especially minority) is great. However, it would be even better if women of color would use data to collaborate and harness their power to change the trajectory of the economic conditions that lingers among women of color. Over the next few months, The SOFEI Group will host community forums addressing the question, How We Get Here? to discover the underlying causes that negatively impact the lives of women throughout the Washington region. We will seek and encourage input from the community-at-large, social change agents, politicians, spiritual leaders, and subject matter experts. Following are topics we will discuss during the forums: How We Get Here? – Why black women and their issues are ignored in politics? - Source: Status of Black Women in Politics How We Get Here? – Black women 16 years and over has experienced the highest unemployment rate among all other ethnic groups since 2007. - Source: The African American Labo...

Dreamers – Where there is no vision, the people perish (Proverbs 29:18a). You have to envision where you want to be so your actions can follow. Destined – Always begin with the end in mind. Women trailblazers predetermine how they want to end their struggle and work towards ending it. Driven – What's the force behind your actions - your spirit, struggles or faith? Determined – Women trailblazers have the will power to carry out their mission to improve the social, economical, and educational stance of women. Devoted – Whatever you do, have a passion for it. When you have a passion, you’ll work without wanting anything in return. Disciplined – Women trailblazers prepare themselves to face challenges and/or obstacles. Dignity – Women trailblazers think highly of themselves and present themselves with high regard and honor. Diligent – Women trailblazers are perseveres. They stay on course regardless of the challenges they may face in life. Daring – Women trailblazers have ...

When women stop seeking validation and approval from men, their equity will grow. Some women dress seductively for men. Wear heels for the approval of men. Buy hair and make-up for men. Quit their jobs for men. Surrender their will to men who don't surrender their will to God. Live under the pretense that man knows what's best instead of God. Should women who live subjectively to men expect equal treatment? According to Genesis 1:26, God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and to let them have dominion over every living thing that creeps on the earth . And, according to Genesis 1:27 , "God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." These verses share how God equally created men and women in His image to have dominion over the earth in our own distinctive roles. If women grasp hold of this knowledge, maybe women will seek equality through the Image of God instead of man.