Sing Their Praises (Editorial)

Many women find self-promotion difficult, even when they have much to promote. Men, not so much. These are stereotypes and there are exceptions, but studies tend to confirm that women — even confident, successful, powerful women — find it hard to advocate for themselves, though they have no problem promoting the accomplishments of female friends.

Women are caught in a double bind: Brag on themselves, and they may be seen as pushy. Fail to brag on themselves, and they may be seen as pushovers.

That’s just one of the reasons that last week’s launch of the Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame by the North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Arkansas Business Publishing Group, is a welcome development. The Hall of Fame’s purpose is to recognize the many contributions of women in the state.

“I want it to be about the impact women — whether a mother, wife, sister, first lady or senator — made on the betterment of the state of Arkansas,” chamber CEO Terry Hartwick said. Mitch Bettis, president of ABPG, noted that partnering with the chamber on the Hall of Fame was consistent with the history of the company. After all, Olivia Myers Farrell, the CEO of ABPG, had earlier created the Top 100 Women in Arkansas, an annual event and publication that led to the founding of the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas, a nonprofit that helps women and girls achieve their full potential.

The Hall of Fame will induct new members every year. It welcomes, even depends on, nominations, because no one person or organization knows every good thing done by women in Arkansas.

So as you make time during the holidays to count your blessings, consider those blessings brought to this state by the extraordinary women of your acquaintance. Speak up for those who still are learning to speak up for themselves.