Empowering Newcomer Women: How to Practice Self-Advocacy in Canada

If speaking up in your workplace is something that you find difficult, know that you're not alone. However, it's important to recognize the value of your skills and your unique journey. Let's work together to find constructive ways to build your self-advocacy skills. By doing so, you can transform this challenge into a tool that can help you achieve your goals and succeed in your career.

Understanding Self-Advocacy

Self-advocacy is the ability to speak up on your behalf effectively. Trust me, it's not just a buzzword; it's a key that can open doors to your career enhancement, meaningful networks, and the place you aspire to be. As someone who didn't realize the importance of self-advocacy until many years later in my career, I want to share a few insights that might make your journey smoother. I get it – self-advocacy can feel like uncharted territory, it was to me, but trust me, it's a skill worth mastering.

Navigating a new chapter - The Early Days

Back when I was in the Middle East the idea of "Self Advocacy 101" would have probably made me opt to take a course. I remember when I first arrived, I felt a bit like a fish out of water. The weather was the first thing that hit me. For me, the difference from +30 to -30 degrees was rather startling, I had a hard time getting used to the cold talk about a radical shift! I had to pivot not just in terms of climate but also in advocating for myself not just in my professional life but also in my personal life. As you start your new life in Canada, it's important to know this skill. It can help you with the challenges that come with settling into a new environment.

Being new in a country naturally brings its unique challenges, and self-advocacy can be your secret weapon. But here's the thing: occasional self-advocacy can be your ticket to unraveling new opportunities. It's not about showing off; it's about building authentic connections and making a positive impact on your workplace.

Here are a few ways you can embrace self-advocacy, something I used as well:

Embracing Self-Advocacy: Practical Tips

1. Speak Up and Share Your Expertise:

I'm an introvert by nature, so it was tough for me to speak up at first. I would sit at meetings quietly and listen but never speak up. I vividly remember a conference where nervousness got the better of me, the facilitator asked us to introduce ourselves and I had someone else speak on my behalf. The facilitator though no fault of hers asked an innocent question, “Does she know to speak English?” What? Of course, I am fluent in English. That incident was a turning point. I realized that if I wanted to achieve the success I dreamed of, I needed to start opening up and expressing myself. Gradually, I started speaking and voicing my suggestions and ideas, it boosted my self-confidence as I began to observe that people listened. So, while you're in meetings or discussions, don't hesitate to voice your thoughts and share your insights. Your unique experiences and qualifications are assets. Whether it's suggesting improvements, proposing new ideas, or showcasing your skills, let your voice be heard. Make sure you speak up!

 2. Connect with Leaders and Mentors:

Start building a crucial network, and this includes connecting with leaders in your industry. Learning to speak up resulted in me meeting many new acquaintances that developed into long-term professional relationships. I took the time to go for coffee chats, community gatherings, and church events, and listened to talks, at that time every event was live, virtual events were nonexistent. Today you can do all of this virtually.

Take the time to attend networking events, reach out to mentors, and don't shy away from expressing your career goals. You'll be surprised at how willing people are to help when they know what you're aiming for. I got to experience the care and concern of some kind souls on my career journey.

3. Own Your Achievements:

Don't downplay your accomplishments, it’s a common tendency for women to do that, it's an inherent trait of women. If you've achieved something noteworthy, whether it's completing a challenging project or earning recognition, don't be afraid to share it. You've worked hard for it, and acknowledging your achievements can positively impact how others perceive your capabilities bringing a newfound confidence in you. My passion was planning events, and I talked about it whenever an opportunity arose, which led me to plan events in different settings and my workplace. I became the go-to person for event planning. Doors begin to open when you put yourself out there.

4. Seek Development Opportunities:

Remember to advocate for your professional growth because no one will. You are the captain of your career, and you can navigate it successfully. Know yourself believe in your capabilities, and trust in your abilities.  When you are in a new country, doubts creep in, and I struggled with it as I was navigating my career path. I remember one of my managers told me, “If you are not interested in your career growth your managers are not going to hold your hand you create your career path” The onus is on you”. A nugget of wisdom there.

If there's a training program, workshop, or skill-building opportunity that aligns with your career goals, show your interest in participating. This not only enhances your skills but also demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement.

5. Learn from Setbacks:

Every journey has its bumps. And yes, I have had my share of challenges, I experienced layoffs, uncertainty, many tests to my self-confidence, extended periods of being jobless, and anxiety. My worst year was in 2008/09 when there was global financial crisis. Looking back each challenge taught me valuable lessons about my capabilities. The valuable lesson I learned is my capacity for resilience. If you encounter setbacks, view them as learning experiences, at that time I did not know how to process these negative situations and was stressed. Migraines were my constant companion during those years and have eased off since then. I had the most trouble with them during an interview. There was once an instance when I went for an interview with a migraine and after that, I told myself no matter what happened if I got the job or not I learned to say thank you. There is no point in stressing yourself which is what I did.

Share what you've learned, how you've grown, and how you're ready to tackle new challenges. It’s okay to be vulnerable. Openness can be a strength, and it shows resilience. Ladies, I am very aware of those emotions you feel and can relate to them.

6. Foster Collaborative Relationships:

Collaboration is key in any workplace. Foster positive relationships by being approachable, supportive, and collaborative. Your ability to work well with others is as important as your technical skills.

Believe in Yourself

Remember, self-advocacy isn't about being boastful; it's about recognizing your worth and ensuring others recognize it too. Your skills are an asset, and you've worked hard to get where you are. So, go ahead, embrace self-advocacy, and watch how it transforms your career journey in Canada.

Maya Angelou once said, "Family isn't always blood." As you navigate your new life, you'll find those amazing souls who make a difference.

Wow, that’s so profound. And yes, I did find a family outside my own who I enjoy spending time with and bringing out the best in me.

Check out this insightful post.

Reach out to me if you need any assistance in navigating this new journey.