Does gender play a role in self doubt?

Why does self doubt creep in at the most inconvenient times? 

One minute you are running one hundred miles an hour towards your wildest dream, then the next minute you are stopped in your tracks questioning your abilities.

Self doubt is part of the human experience, I can guarantee we have all experienced it however have you ever stopped to question whether gender plays a role in self doubt?

Young boys are encouraged to be strong, assertive and confident, while girls are praised for being politie, humble and accommodating. Without even knowing it our self perception and confidence levels are being shaped. 

This results in these gendered norms seeping into the workplace shaping how men and women perceive themselves and their abilities. 

Women tend to underestimate their abilities and performance more than men, even when they’re equally or more competent. It’s like there is this invisible barrier holding women back from fully stepping into their power where they embrace their talents and achievements. 

Do societal expectations of perfection and performance weigh heavier on women's shoulders?

We’ve all heard the stories of women being assertive or ambitious and receiving backlash for it. They’re too much, rude, a b*tch, too direct or should stay in their own lane. The balancing act of confidence and likability is a tough one to navigate so it’s no wonder women second guess themselves more often. 

Women are navigating a minefield of societal expectations and gendered stereotypes, all while trying to balance it all and excel in their careers. 

Awareness is the first step towards change, unless you’ve been hiding under a rock you’re probably aware of this and if not, I’m glad you’re here reading this. 

If we work together we can create more equitable workplaces where everyone feels valued and empowered to succeed by challenging outdated norms and creating space for conversations for women to be heard and validated. 

There’s no point having a conversation if it’s not going to be followed by action, just like I tell my clients if you don’t have a plan to make a change, nothing will change. 

So what’s the best next action step you can take? 

Make it your mission today and everyday to amplify the voices and contributions of women. 

Celebrate the achievements of women in your personal and professional circles publicly. There are so many opportunities - in meetings, social gatherings or even social media. 

Support work life integration and flexible policies. Be an advocate for policies and practices that support balance and the diverse needs of women in the workplace so they feel valued and supported in balancing all the things.

Advocate for inclusive decision making processes. Encourage a collaborative approach with input from individuals from different backgrounds, experiences and identities. 

Challenge gender bias and microaggression. Be vigilant about challenging gender bias and microaggression in your personal and professional interactions. Speak up when you witness discriminatory behaviour or sexist remarks. 

By actively championing women's voices and accomplishments, you can help combat the self-doubt that arises from feeling unheard or undervalued.