HOW TO OVERCOME THE 'NOS' FOR BLACK WOMEN
BY WENDY T.
For young Black women like me, the path to success is filled with so many barriers that sometimes, it feels like the world is working against us. Even though we come with so much talent and drive, we're often faced with more 'nos' than we can count. We’re told to work twice as hard to get half as far, and even then, it feels like the goalposts keep shifting. Whether it’s trying to climb the career ladder or break into creative industries, our journey is often shaped by the resilience we need just to keep going.
Navigating life as a young Black woman means constantly pushing against a wall of biases—both racial and gender-based. The research doesn't lie - we're more likely to be overlooked for jobs, get paid less than our peers, and barely see ourselves represented in leadership roles. These aren't just stats; they’re our everyday reality. And they don’t just hold us back professionally—they impact how we see ourselves.
Each 'no' stings because it’s a reminder of the uphill battle we’re fighting just to prove we deserve a seat at the table. It's the sinking feeling of being passed over for promotions, the silence when you share your ideas in meetings, and the microaggressions that slowly chip away at your spirit. Some days, it’s hard to keep pushing. But we do it anyway, because we know our worth—even if the world doesn’t always recognise it.
How to turn 'nos' into 'yeses'
Despite the setbacks, young Black women have always found ways to push through, making magic out of what feels like thin air. Here’s how we can start turning some of those 'nos' into 'yeses':
1. Find your people
Build a network of mentors, allies, and peers who get your experience and can offer support. Look for networking events that centre on Black professionals and women of colour. These spaces can be a lifeline and a source of inspiration when you need it most.
2. Embrace resilience
It’s easy to get discouraged but remember that setbacks don’t define your journey. Treat failures as stepping stones and focus on bouncing back stronger each time. That’s where real growth happens.
3. Speak up for yourself
Don’t hold back when it comes to sharing your achievements. Let people know what you bring to the table. Make your voice heard, push for fair pay, and fight for the recognition you deserve. You’ve earned it.
4. Keep growing
Invest in your own development, even if it means sacrificing some free time. Take courses, attend workshops, or get certified in skills that will make you stand out. Your knowledge is power.
5. Challenge the status quo
Call out biases when you see them and push for fair policies that support diversity and inclusion. You have the right to be vocal about what needs to change, not just for you, but for the ones coming up behind you.
6. Celebrate every win
Don't wait for the 'big' moments to recognise your success. Celebrate every single achievement, even if it seems small. A win is a win, and its proof that you’re pushing through, no matter what.
Rising above the system
Let’s be real - the barriers we face as young Black women aren’t going to disappear overnight. But that doesn’t mean we’re going to let them stop us. We’re out here reshaping the narrative, proving that we belong wherever we choose to be. The road may be filled with 'nos', but we’re not about to let them define us. We’re turning them into 'yeses'—one win at a time, and we’re doing it with resilience, determination, and an unapologetic belief in our worth.
Success isn’t going to be handed to us, but we’re more than ready to take it.