LibraryScenariosWhen representation becomes a burden instead of empowerment
Scenario

When representation becomes a burden instead of empowerment

I am the only Pacific woman on the leadership team and they keep asking me to speak for all women of color when I barely feel like I speak for myself.

Juana
Online
The coach is replying

More people experience this than they realize.

What we've seen

Tokenism transforms individual achievement into collective responsibility, creating pressure that undermines authentic voice.

Ideas that help explain it
Worth thinking about

“Where Are You with Pacific gender diversity?”

If this sounds familiar, the Library can help you find the bigger picture.