1. Don't become the "yes woman". You WILL be taken advantage of.

It's hard, I know. When you first get a job or a position, you want to prove you're dependable, a team player, and you don't want to come across as entitled. So, maybe say yes to things people need when you FIRST start, but don't say yes to anything and everything. Otherwise, all of a sudden, you went from trying to be a team player to doing everyone's dirty work. And you won't be getting any respect as an equal.

2. Don't apologize unless you genuinely messed up.

I need this one tattooed on my body as a reminder. I apologize ALL. THE. TIME. Maybe if you apologize to your friends, they'll tell you that you had nothing to be sorry about. But in this atmosphere, if you say sorry, chances are people are just going to assume you messed up. Not only that, but you're actively backing down. This is not going to help when you're fighting to be treated as an equal to the guys.

3. On that note, speak with AUTHORITY.

Get those pauses and "umm's" out of your speech. Men who are naturally given authority can pause all they want. As unfortunate as it is, we don't have the luxury to hesitate.

4. If a man blatantly interrupts you, don't let him get away with it.

Make sure you jump back in there. Don't be rude, but don't let go of the talking stick until YOU want to.

5. If your idea is ignored, but then received when a man says it a few minutes later, thank him for agreeing with you.

It's polite, but it reminds the group that this was your idea. We will no longer be letting them get away with it in fear of receiving the label of a "bitch". We will thank them politely, and set the record straight at the same time.

6. If you see another woman struggling to gain respect/have her voice heard, SUPPORT HER!

For instance, if someone takes a woman's idea as their own, chime in with "I'm so glad you like [woman's name]'s idea too! [Woman's name], would you mind telling us more about how you see it working?" (or something like that).

7. Sit up straight.

It's an easy and nonthreatening way to show that you are present and cannot be stepped on.

8. If it's a workplace and it's legal, find out if there's a pay gap.

Not only is this important to fix in terms of equality, but when you are paid less, your contributions are worth less in the mind of the boss.

9. Keep a level head.

People are just waiting to deem us emotional, dramatic, bitchy, or crazy based on one raised voice. Don't give them the opportunity to misjudge you. You know who you are, so make sure they know too. Of course, there are some situations where keeping a level head is no longer important. But in general, it's a good idea.

10. Make sure you're there when the conversation is happening.

This may seem obvious, but it's so important. You just know that when there's conversations about changes or new projects, the men are going to be right there when the person in charge is distributing responsibilities/asking for feedback. Chances are, no one's going to seek you out to hear your thoughts/pitches. But, they will have to listen if you are there in the room. Sometimes just being there at the right time can be enough to make a lot of change.