Just before the coronavirus outbreak hit the United States., women accounted for 50.04 percent of the U.S. workforce — a slight increase from 49.7 percent in 2019. While the female-dominated healthcare and retail sectors were largely responsible for this surge in employment, women could once again struggle to get ahead in the workplace because of COVID-19, especially those who lost their jobs or had to quit working in order to care for their children.

With some guidance and inspiration from The Everywomen, as well as a bit of hard work and determination, women can regain the strength, courage, and skills they need to succeed at home, in the workplace, and in life as the pandemic tapers off.

Acknowledge Workplace Disparities

To get ahead as a female in a male-dominated world, one of the most important things you can do as a working woman is to acknowledge the existence of gender inequality in the workplace. By identifying and acknowledging the common barriers affecting women in the workplace — such as unequal pay, sexual harassment, racism, and a lack of female leaders to help you climb the ladder at work — you can better plan your career and show your worth and determination by working harder than your male counterparts.

With these workplace disparities in mind, there are some steps you can take to improve your chances of getting ahead in your career. Aim to feel more confident in your skin, get that raise you know you deserve, and inch one step closer to achieving equality in the workplace. Online leadership resources are available to men and women alike through business websites like Inc. You can also pursue higher education, such as an MBA in business, more easily these days via online means, which is a feasible option if you have to juggle home and work responsibilities. Be sure to check these out if you’re looking to learn essential skills that will help you to become the strong and powerful leader you’re destined to be.

Make Yourself Invaluable at Work

Even if you’re working from home throughout the pandemic, there are some things you can do to prove your worth, increase your job security, and make yourself an indispensable employee so you can get ahead at work and in your career. Experts at The Muse recommend taking steps to demonstrate four valuable skills in the workplace: resilience, adaptability, flexibility, and thoughtfulness (known as RAFT). Empathy is another critical skill to master amid COVID-19, especially if you’re looking to take on future leadership roles in the workplace.

On the other hand, you also want to make sure that you don’t ‘over-invest’ just to be taken seriously in the workplace. This is, in fact, a common situation with women trying to bridge the gender qualification gap. You know your qualifications, your capabilities, and what you bring to the table. It is not, in any way, healthy to bend over backward and work yourself ragged just to satisfy implicit gender biases. Therefore, if your workplace is failing to see what you’re worth and how you’re contributing to the organization, it may be high time to pull up your bootstraps and go where you’re treasured. This can lead us to the next point . . .

Unleash Your Inner Entrepreneur

While female business owners face their own share of challenges, entrepreneurship could be the right career path for you if you’re motivated, financially secure, knowledgeable about your business idea, and willing and able to put in the time and effort needed to get your business off the ground. In addition, starting your own business gives you the unique opportunity to take the reins, make a living where you are fully in control and not at the mercy of still very much prevalent gender stereotypes and discrimination, and, most importantly, even create a supportive environment for your fellow women.

Indeed, this can be a wonderful way to thrive professionally, as well as perhaps really do something good for the world. However, you’ll want to protect yourself and your new business from personal liability — and you can do this by structuring your business as a limited liability company (LLC). The business formation process can be challenging for new entrepreneurs, but plenty of online services are available to help you do it as quickly and seamlessly as possible.

Fulfill Your Purpose

We still live in a very male-dominated world, but having faith in yourself will help you to achieve your personal and professional goals — as well as give you the strength, courage, and integrity you need to overcome the challenges that get in your way. Always remember that real growth comes with no small amount of discomfort. By building your leadership skills, investing in your continuous personal and professional improvement, and using your natural talents and abilities to get ahead in your career, you’ll not only succeed in the workplace — you’ll grow in leaps and bounds through the professional work you do, too.