Women are strong, smart, and capable, yet many of us struggle with a lack of confidence in our abilities. This can be particularly apparent in the workplace when it comes to applying for jobs or seeking promotions.
Women don’t apply for jobs unless they are 100% qualified compared to men who apply for jobs even when they are only 60% qualified. But why do women lack confidence, and how can we overcome this self-doubt?
Ingrained from a young age
One possible reason for the lack of confidence in women is the societal expectations and gender stereotypes that have been ingrained in us from a young age. We are often taught that women are supposed to be nurturing and caring, while men are supposed to be assertive and confident.
As a result, women may feel pressure to conform to these gender norms, which can lead to self-doubt and a lack of confidence in their abilities.
Imposter syndrome
Another factor that may contribute to women’s lack of confidence is imposter syndrome. This is a psychological phenomenon where individuals doubt their own accomplishments and fear being exposed as frauds.
Women are particularly susceptible to imposter syndrome, as they may feel like they don’t belong in male-dominated fields or that their successes are simply a result of luck or external factors.
Further scrutiny
Furthermore, women are often subjected to more criticism and scrutiny than men, which can lead to a lack of confidence. This can be seen in the way women are judged for their appearance, personality, and behaviour, while men are often judged solely on their competence.
A woman is expected to work hard whilst looking pretty whereas a man does not have to be handsome. This constant scrutiny can lead to feelings of self-doubt and a belief that we are not good enough.
Overcoming these issues
So, what can we do to overcome our lack of confidence and achieve our goals? The first step is to recognize that these feelings of self-doubt are normal and that many successful women have experienced them. We should also challenge the gender stereotypes and societal expectations that may be contributing to our lack of confidence.
Additionally, we can work on developing our skills and seeking out opportunities for growth and development. By investing in ourselves and our abilities, we can build our confidence and feel more capable of taking on new challenges. It’s also important to surround ourselves with supportive people who believe in us and our abilities.
In conclusion, women may lack confidence due to societal expectations, imposter syndrome, and the scrutiny they face. However, by recognizing these factors and working on our skills and self-development, we can build our confidence and achieve our goals.
Let’s break down the barriers that hold us back and show the world what we’re capable of!
Words by Charlie Vogelsang
GIRLS IRL 