She Strengthens

The Unspoken Truth Behind Corporate Feminism

As I reflect on my decade-long career, I’ve had the privilege of working with esteemed employers that boasted prestige and a commitment to empowering women. However, beneath the surface, I discovered a stark reality: many of these corporations prioritized image over action, exploiting their Black and Brown employees to appear diverse.

The Facade of Feminism

Companies often parade as champions of social responsibility, touting hashtags like #girlboss and #bossbabe. They celebrate International Women’s Day and claim to promote equality, but behind closed doors, they reinforce existing inequities. Employees are frequently underpaid, overworked, and expected to be grateful for the opportunity to work with these “empowering” brands.

Tokenization and Exploitation

In my experience, companies rarely live up to their values. They tokenize Black and Brown employees, using them as props to appear diverse, while insulating themselves from criticism. I’ve witnessed firsthand how companies claim to value diversity but fail to implement meaningful change. When I proposed talent programs to expand our network of candidates, the responses were lukewarm. When I presented qualified candidates of color, they were overlooked in favor of white candidates.

The Illusion of Progress

Sometimes, companies appear to make progress, approving employee resource groups and diversity programming. However, this is often just a performance, a way to avoid criticism and appear inclusive. I’ve seen executives shy away from addressing “sticky topics” because they’re afraid of saying the wrong thing. This lack of accountability perpetuates inequality.

The True Meaning of Inclusion

Real inclusivity requires speaking up when it’s uncomfortable, listening when you think you already know, and valuing Black perspectives. It’s not about optics; it’s about creating a truly diverse and equitable workplace. A group of us once sat down with an executive team to explain why their actions were hurtful, and new procedures were eventually put in place.

The Limits of Corporate Feminism

Many #GIRLBOSS brands cater to a narrow echo chamber, empowering only young, non-disabled, heterosexual, white females. They rarely promote intersectionality or effectively represent underrepresented groups. This is white feminism in action: it’s not inclusive, intersectional, or diverse. It’s a brand of feminism that mirrors the patriarchy it claims to fight against.

A Call to Action

As professionals, we must acknowledge the harsh reality that even the most “woke” companies operate within a system that rewards systematic oppression. We can’t be naive to the truth that corporate feminism often prioritizes image over action. It’s time to demand more from the companies we work for and support. We must strive for true inclusivity, solidarity, and a better society for all.