In the aftermath of Satya Nadella's (Microsoft CEO) misbegotten comments on women and their right to advocate for a raise, and subsequent apology, media organizations are weighing in. Some, such as FastCompany, are guiding the conversation toward greater gender equality. Others, such as Forbes, are deferring back to a dated, and conveniently reinforced, misunderstanding that working women value interpersonal connection over adequate pay. In the end, as Maria Klawe aptly reminds us, the positive here is that we have been provided a rich opportunity to promote dialogue and champion change.

Archaic mores around gender hobble us all, men and women, young and old, across race and religion and country. And that hobbling has a direct impact on our collective mental health. Men are pummeled with mixed messages; be violent but be compliant; wield rage but practice empathy. As The Representation Project asserts, we are a culture failing our boys. Women are tyrannized by messages underestimating our intellectual capacity and reducing our value to body. As Taylor M. Chapman explains, we are living in a culture of misperception. Whether female or male, our sense of self, our sense of competency and our capacity to effectively engage in the world are compromised by these misconceptions.

We have the power to shift this reality. We have the potential to be agents of progress. If you are a man, consider exploring organizations such as the Mankind Project, whose mission is the "building and supporting of emotionally mature, accountable, and compassionate male role models that our communities need." If you are a woman, consider exploring organizations such as Lean In, whose action plan is "packed with practical advice for women on how to believe in themselves, pursue any goal and take a seat at any table." If you are a parent, sit down with your children and watch stereotype exposing films such as Miss Representation. If you are a reader and have arrived to this point without opening any of the links provided, go back. Open them. Read them. Discuss them with your peers.

If you believe you are immune to these stereotypes, that your relationship with your co-workers, with your friends and family and with yourself are not impacted by gender bias, think again. Much of the conflict in partnership, in the workplace and in our own self-esteem arise from these discrepancies, discrepancies that exact a price on our mental health. Educate yourself. Value yourself. Challenge yourself to cultivate equanimity in yourself and in the world around you.

Linda J. Rohan, ARNP