SO is my question significant? I indeed think so. The intent of the question is to flag a SYSTEM ISSUE…. When the men who control the purse strings and most of the decision-making in our organizations — in this case congress — take so little notice of the competent, active, contributing female colleagues that they neglect to provide a convenient bathroom, what else do they miss or ignore? Do they really SEE them? Does their presence register? Do they see them as equals? (Google the bathroom for women in congress)….. When you see the most recent articles on this topic, please also notice that the MEN are taking credit for making this amazing progressive addition to the halls of congress! Perhaps this makes sense? Especially if you now make a big transition with me….. see the link to the photograph of 20 white males — zero women — making decisions about birth control and the right to abortions.
Next, think about all the recent articles and TV news stories about women being physically abused and raped in all braches of the military. As hard as it might be to think about all this as connected, it is about the powerlessness of women as a group. Certainly, there are hundreds/thousands/millions of powerful women — thankfully! But as a group, women are just beginning to flex their muscles. As a group, our impact is still not signifiant enough in the majority of organizations — in all the systems we live in and work in.
Our voice is not simply needed — it is essential. If we are to have collaborative decision making; if we are to feel both safe and seen, if we are truly going to make the world a better place, our systems must change. Consequently the absence of a bathroom can’t go unnoticed. And clearly building it need not be celebrated — let alone give a few men credit for making it happen. WHERE HAVE THEY BEEN IN THE FIRST PLACE?
In my book RELEASE FROM POWERLESSNESS: TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR LIFE…. I define two kinds of power. Positional power is the ability to hire and fire, reward and punish. It is external. It is power over and it is power to make things happen in systems. Personal power is “the ability to create your own environment.” It is internal … and can be exercised any where and in any system. You can have personal power if you are willing to step into it; to respectfully face conflict and differences and work through them; to have a voice for YOURSELF as well as for others. If you want to explore these ideas further, read my book or just send me some questions and I can share more about my thinking right here.
Being powerful is essential…. even when it scares you….because otherwise, just when you need it, there might not be a bathroom any where around you in the future!