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In 1999 South Africa qualified for cricket world cup semi-finals and their match was against Australia. South Africa had some really good players like Jonty Rhodes, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock to name the few. They were considered the best fielding side. Till date we give examples of Jonty Rhodes as a fielder. One wicket was left South Africa needed 1 run but the match tied. That run out even after so many years is still fresh in my mind. I was quite young at that time. There was no concept of super over at that time and based on the previous performance during the tournament Australia qualified for the finals
I still have no idea what was going in Allan Donald’s mind. He was at the non striker end and Lance Klusener made a call started running but Allan Donald was standing still. By the time he finally decided to run it was too late and he was run out.
On that day South Africa got the title of chokers as they choked at the end in getting that one winning run which could give them the opportunity to play their first world cup final match.
Unfortunately by 2023 also the South African team is not able to remove this tag. We may say that South Africa fought well but honestly they choked during the batting itself when their scorecard was 24/4 and in the first 10 overs they could only make 18 runs. The South African bowlers did give all their sweat but at the end Australia won.
Australia has qualified for yet another world cup final. When they started their campaign they lost few matches. Everyone kept saying this Australian team is not the same like the ones we have seen in past. Yet here they are defeating the team which finished second in the league matches.
South Africa could not take the revenge of 1999 world cup final. But India has a chance to take revenge of 2003 world cup final.
20 years later can team India defeat team Australia? India definitely has the advantage of being host nation. 19th November can India win the world cup title for 3rd time and create history?
Wishing team India all the best for the last and final game
P.S. I have not mentioned Hansie Cronje as one of the good players from South Africa because of the match fixing charges against him
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So I watched my second Koffee episode this season with Kareena Kapoor and Alia Bhatt.
Such a bore listening to privileged people talking of their silver spoon babies and their families. No offense, but it’s tedious to watch it for more than half the episode! One hilarious observation though was Kareena’s 360-degree turn on her statement about modern marriages and babies years ago. She’s become old-school now coaxing Alia Bhatt and anyone to have more babies.
There was a new segment called “Vibe Check” in this episode, which reminded me immediately of Mannara Chopra in the current Bigg Boss house who keeps harping on the phrase for no good reason.
Whatever is this whole vibe thing and worse still, checking it? What sort of hocus-pocus is this nonsense? But any day, Mannara’s Vibe Check is for the win as it grabs all sorts of attention from the likes of Munawar and Khanzadi. It’s definitely more steamy and fun to watch than this tepid Vibe Check segment of Koffee with Karan. Like who really cares if Alia prefers red wine over white! Oh, these elitists and their narcissist tendencies. Spare us, please!
Kareena was on her own Zen trip, which can put even Buddha to shame. We learned from the show how she’s doing ‘something’ right which none of them could crack the code. Alia Bhatt brought out her ‘Student of the Year’ side on how she feels Kareena’s attachment-detachment approach to her work is her winning strategy in the business.
As for Kareena, she gets anxiety watching any of her movies and so she doesn’t watch them. Neither is she interested in watching any of the other Bollywood movies, including the recent blockbuster ‘Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani’. But there was a spark in her eye when she mentioned her top pick for a South Indian lead in Yash from KGF, which she watched and loved.
Then there was Alia Bhatt talking about Raha and how great a husband, father, and man Ranbir Kapoor is. Neetu Kapoor would be so proud. Also, she is trying so hard to be likeable and non-controversial. Her intention was to come across as being the good girl and chill (read non-competitive, secure) humble celebrity.
And couldn’t KJO have given her a better stylist for this episode? The colour’s great, but the ill-fitting sequined gown wasn’t the most flattering. What injustice to a petite lissome body like that!
But the episode took a fun turn later in the show thanks to Kareena. It was a cute sight to see her trolling and schooling KJo. It was also endearing to watch KJo troll her back about her acting in the song “Kasam Ki Kasam” from “Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon”.
One of the definite positive aspects of this episode was the thick undercurrents of genuine friendship. The ones where you can troll and bitch about each other on their faces. No duplicity or toxicity from ill-intent, but just genuine love and desire to see the other grow. Like when Kareena said she was going to unfriend KJo if he continued with his pout selfies, or getting carried away by the GenZ, or having totally lost it with his overtly sexual questions in the last Koffee season. That was endearing to watch as a viewer because it came straight from the heart and a place of love. Much like the ‘Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives’, where underneath all the bitchiness lies a sound foundation of love and friendship. I sensed the same equation with KJo and Kareena and even more so with KJo and Alia Bhatt, who seemed really thick.
More positive things in this episode include the discussion on the misogynistic perception of how women artists reach their peak when they’re married and become mothers. Also, KJo asked some cheeky questions to his favourites, putting them on the spot. Like hinting at Ranbir Kapoor’s extra-marital affairs, to which Alia gave a holy response, “Chee! Chee!” But, we also learned that Alia Bhatt checks Reddit on the social listening about her marriage and perhaps, other things as well.
Anyway, this episode was a snooze fest for the most part of it. None of the episodes this season so far have had guests who are a riot to watch.
I’m already hearing comments that ‘Koffee with Karan’ should be renamed to ‘Kitty Party with Karan’ because he brings the same old elite inner circle with a limited range of topics to discuss. Kareena Kapoor let the cat out of the bag when she said how KJo is bored after 15-20 mins after he hosts a party. When KJo himself is bored with his inner circle of guests at his private parties, why unleash the boredom upon the entire country?
Why not get promising artists from the industry? Is it because they’re not A-listers or happening enough, according to KJo. But it could add a novelty to the show.
Look at how the current season of Bigg Boss and other reality shows are nailing it! It’s nice to see fresh faces alongside the known ones from all walks of life. Reality shows have way more entertaining guests with drama that can give the Ranveer-Deepika episode on the Koffee show a run for its money.
Everything on the KWK show now is too PR-oriented and white washed. Like Alia’s intention seemed showing her husband in a good light, and erase this perception of her being predatory and extra competitive. I personally think she almost handled it well and met her goals. Not until she went on to shading Deepika Padukone as her ‘senior with a great screen presence’ or reducing Katrina Kaif to being a ‘hardworking dancer’. Sneaky! But you get the drift? The realness is missing in all this PR drama. I also think Alia needn’t be her husband’s spokesperson and let him clear any air.
As for this season’s blandness, I’m banking on Kajol, whose candidness is a delight to watch offscreen and even the low-key hilarious Ajay Devgn to break the boring loop.
*Originally published here
We worship the goddess, who is a woman, and yet a woman cannot sculpt the woman goddess!
Bengalis worship Ma Durga and Ma Kali on a large scale with a huge amount of devotion. The women spend hours arranging everything for the puja. Ma Durga and Ma Kali are two of the strongest goddesses who symbolize protection, strength, motherhood, destruction, and wars. They rose up bravely to fight against injustice.
Kali is the Hindu goddess of death and rebirth. She expresses the dual nature of the destruction that must come before new beginnings and the strength of female power, which can sometimes do what man cannot.
The Goddess Durga is seen as a sign of power and protection, which is why she has garnered so many followers through the years. She was originally incarnated to fight a demon that only a woman could defeat. Now, she is seen as a fierce warrior goddess.
Let us look at who spends hours creating these idols. These idols are made with a lot of precision and are created by the menfolk. Women are considered taboo and forbidden to create these idols. Some daughters of these idol makers have fought for years in vain.
The belief is that women cannot and will not be able to sculpt these idols.
Why is a woman considered incompetent to create a goddess idol? Her male colleagues continue to doubt her abilities. They feel she cannot handle big orders for pujo as she is a woman.
We worship the woman Goddess for her strength and power, yet we consider human women powerless and useless mortals on the face of the Earth. Why does our society follow this injustice? Why do we hesitate to give the same power and freedom to our women? They also need to be worshipped and allowed to shine with their creative powers.
Why does our society follow these double standards?
What are we teaching our women?
They, too, need to feel powerful and ready to face the adversities of life. I am shocked to read, that The Telegraph’s inquiry for directions to her studio was met by the following remark by some male artisans of another workshop: “Oh oi urinal er pasher artist ke khnujchhen?”; Oh, you are looking for the artist who works next to the urinal?
Mala Pal is the only woman who, after her father’s death, decided to sculpt the Ma Durga idols at Kumartuli. She had always wanted to sculpt, but her father forbade her from entering the workshop.
Today she has fought back and shown that she is a superior sculptor and can carve the idols with the same mastery and precision as the male sculptors. Mala has even gone further by teaching kids and women to sculpt. It is a battle, but she too is fighting like the women goddesses.
Worship the Goddess, but also herald and respect the women in our lives. Let us get rid of these double standards that the men of the society have formed for no justifiable reasons. The movement Kumartuli Rising is now helping women like Mala sculpt these idols.
“Women clad in sarees and perched on ladders to mould goddesses has a novelty factor… but each of us has gone through a lot before we made it to the features pages of newspapers and magazines…”
Today, these women sculpt the idols, but they cannot charge the same amount as the men.
Today, I ask my women readers to encourage and support these women. When you go to buy the idols, buy from these women. Let us make the women powerful. Our women’s hands are not soft and are extremely capable of handling clay, bamboo, and wood.
Let us stop the men from mocking the women and allow them to work and sculpt. Let us make the women like Ma Durga and Ma Kali. We worship these women goddesses and should respect the women on Earth even more.
Recommended read:
Image source: CanvaPro
Dive into the stark gender gap in Indian organ transplants, revealing societal norms and challenges faced by women as donors.
A report was released a few days ago by the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization of India about the number of male and female organ recipients in India.
The report is an irrefutable indicator of the gender disparity existing in our country, and it is alarming because of the picture it paints of a society that, at the very least, considers its women expendable.
The report states that between 1995 and 2021, out of every five transplants, four recipients were men, and one was a woman. Assuming that there is no disparity in the requirement of a transplant based on gender, this figure is concerning.
Combining this with the fact that the majority of living donors in India are women paints a bleak picture of the importance of women in our society.
An organ transplant is a major surgery. The replacement of hearts, kidneys, livers, and lungs requires the donor to be healthy and strong enough to go through the taxing procedure. There is even a chance of things going wrong for both the recipient and the donor, with the extreme case being death due to complications.
Yet, it is a fact that 80% of living donors are women. Mothers, wives, sisters, and daughters step up to donate their organs to the members of their families. It is notable that men, who are portrayed as the stronger of the sexes, fail to deliver when the situation arises.
The high incidence of organ donation among women might be whitewashed as being their wish to help and nurture, and sometimes a dutiful sacrifice. However, the truth is that women are almost always judged less than men. And when the man of the house needs an organ, the onus of organ donation falls on the woman. Brothers, fathers, sons, and husbands have the excuse of breadwinning to hide behind.
Women have no excuse, despite devoting their whole life to their families or perhaps because of it. She is the one who has to take care of everyone in the family, and when the time comes, she shouldn’t back out from donating an organ or two.
It is strange that in a country where women are not free to dress according to their wishes, they are free to donate their organs so freely. This is despite the long-term effects that might plague them, leading to reduced ability, lifelong discomfort, and the requirement of continuous care and medication.
It does make one wonder whether all the cases of donation are voluntary or if coercion is involved in some of them, despite the laws that are there to prevent such cases.
When it comes to cases of women being recipients of organ transplants, the bleak figures cement the fact that our society just does not believe in spending time, money, energy, and care on a woman. Patriarchy dictates that a woman is replaceable, even expendable. One can always remarry, plan for another daughter, or accept the will of God.
After all, a woman must look after others, not demand others to look after her.
Marketing is a cornerstone for the success and empowerment of women in business, playing a crucial role in fostering visibility, recognition, and economic independence. It provides a platform for women entrepreneurs to showcase their unique talents and offerings, breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes.
Effective marketing allows women-led businesses to carve out a distinctive identity, creating a brand that resonates with diverse audiences. It’s a powerful tool for building credibility and trust, essential elements in overcoming gender biases that women in business may encounter.
Moreover, marketing empowers women to leverage their strengths, telling their stories and promoting products or services with authenticity. In a digital era, online marketing platforms provide accessible and cost-effective ways for women to reach a broad audience, fostering connections and community.
By embracing marketing strategies, women in business can navigate and thrive in competitive markets, proving the value of their contributions. It goes beyond selling products; it’s about shaping narratives, challenging norms, and creating a more inclusive business landscape where women can excel and lead.
In conclusion, marketing is not just a business function; it’s a catalyst for women’s economic empowerment. It provides the tools for women to amplify their voices, break glass ceilings, and build successful enterprises that contribute to a more diverse and equitable business world.
My 27 years of journey in marketing & communications has been on the job and I have been able to learn from the best in the industry always. I have had great mentors across my career, who helped me pave my path.
This has led me to write this book as I have always fought for marketing to get a seat at the table and tell the untold stories. The book has Indian case studies from different industries that show how Indian brands have evolved using marketing and have stayed relevant to the consumer.
If you’d like to pick up Marketing: The Untold Story by Bhuvana Subramanyan, use our affiliate links at Amazon India, and at Amazon US.
Women’s Web gets a small share of every purchase you make through these links, and every little helps us continue bringing you the reads you love!
Image source: Getty Images Free for Canva Pro and Book cover Amazon.
Can we see all the lights around us? Can we feel everything around us? Can we listen to the silence around us? Can we speak without the fear of death/criticism about incidents happening around us? I have posed some very easy questions except the last one where I have mentioned death.
We all have witnessed death, didn’t we? My father had breathed his last in front of me and I could do nothing. I can see, feel, listen but I am still scared. Death scares me. But I am not dying. I am perfectly alright, my medico says so. But I feel death, I can smell death the same way Marie could sense it sans the fear. Getting scared is me. Not that young blind woman who engulfs herself in positivity in spite of knowing that she can get killed anytime.
*Major Spoilers Alert – so if you haven’t watched the mini-series, first do that*
When I started watching the Netflix series “All The Light We Cannot See” I was initially frustrated. It’s again upon war and that blind girl with a loving, doting father. But no, the movie inspired me, I couldn’t get off the hooks. It haunted me when I slept. I really cannot even fathom the fact that Anthony Doerr, the American author (in case you aren’t aware of) would take ten years to write a book on a blind girl surviving the dreadful World War II. Kudos to his research and perseverance.
“Hail Hitler” echoed throughout the series. Marie the blind child of a loving single father who worked for a museum had in her amazing touch, smell and listening sense. Her father a feminist man never discrimated this child of his even when those German’s labelled her as a poor girl living on mercy. They called her “Unfortunate” when her father growled that this daughter of his had in her the power greater than many other individual. The plot revolves around Marie who had been caught in the war when the Nazi Germans attacked France in 1940. The father and daughter duo flees to the coastal town of Saint Paulo and takes refuge in her great uncle’s Etienne’s place. Marie’s father Daniel had some other agenda in his mind. He is the custodian of a gem “Sea of Flames” a cursed stone which is fabled of making someone immortal. And thus the hungry Nazi cop Lars Eidinger starts a witch hunt for the blind girl.
Those days radio broadcast was an offence punishable to death but young Marie defies the norms and continues her broadcast at the frequency 13.10Hz. Make no mistake please. I am not reviewing the movie. You may read the book or you can watch the series streaming on Netflix. What I want to project is the tough fight this blind woman raises against these Nazi’s. She lived in the dilapidated house of Great uncle Etienne alone.
Each night she broadcasted at the same frequency with the hope that one day she will be united with her father. We witness in the series fighter planes dropping shells, bombarding, Marie’s house getting reduced to shards. She is left without food and need to fend for herself. She navigates the streets based on the town model which her father a master carpenter had made for her. With no friends, no relatives either she stands tall not for once losing the hope that she will meet her father one day.
As the story proceeds Marie comes to know her father had been brutally tortured and murdered by Eidinger. With Etienne gone fighting the Nazis (He had been a veteran soldier during World War I and still get flashbacks of the poisonous gas attacks which killed thousands of soldiers. Since then he had turned a recluse only to be encouraged by Marie to step out and resist), her father dead, no food, no water, no shelter the girl still doesn’t crumble.
A shout out for those women with such courage. Be like Marie. You may have slipped but you aren’t broken. We are not fighting in a world war (unless we count Gaza) but are fighting against patriarchy. Do not allow anybody to talk non sense about you. You are what you are. We don’t need validations from callous men same like Marie who fights Eidinger with a pistol which Etienne had taught her how to use. She kills the monster Eidinger who was her father’s murderer, a cruel cop, a narcissist, an anarchist (I am out of adjectives now). She had only one bullet left in her pistol when she was captured and she said with pride that everyone can fire from a gun but not everyone can listen with that apt which she possessed in her. She finishes off the greedy Nazi with that one bullet. “Hail Hitler”, crumbles down as the American troops come to rescue. Marie is free now.
Learn to fight your battles ladies. If you won’t, nobody else will do that for you. I was brought up by a feminist father just like Daniel and my gratitude to him would not end till my last breath. I have spoken very harshly about men in a fit of anger. We shouldn’t be doing that. Hatred builds hatred. Marie found her love in an orphan Werner Pfenning who almost died of torture. Men like Etinenne saved him.
Pfenning came to rescue Marie which of course Marie did herself and said she had lovely eyes and will surely come back again for her. He convinces her to carry on the broadcast at the same frequency just like me asking people to remain in same frequency. Please end all wars. Please.
I regret the fact that I am sounding like a preacher but that is what I am. I cannot pretend. And do you want to know what happened to the “Sea of Flames”. The curse was drowned by the waves where it belonged. A sincere note of thanks to Anthony Doerr for the masterpiece. I hope I have judged the protagonist well, sir.
Recently, when I attended a marriage function, I heard a woman talking about women’s sacrifice after marriage. I kept wondering from that moment why only Indian women have to sacrifice to show love and affection for their in- laws.
Over the years, from my experience, I have seen many cases where husbands compare their wives and tell the importance of sacrificing.
From the list of experiences, one thing that irritates me is putting me in pressure of behaving in a certain way in order to prove that I love and care for his family. Serving the guests and relatives and then eating what is leftover. Mother in law putting pressure to take up fasting for getting family blessings . Waiting for my husband to come home and eat lunch with me even if he comes late after a big traffic jam.
In all the above cases, a woman has to sacrifice her health and live like a robot controlled by the in-laws.
In some cases, I have seen relatives displaying these emotions to show and create unnecessary family issues. These women pride themselves by eating the last roti in the casserole. Serving the whole family fresh food and then eating the previous night’s leftovers. On the contrary, if someone sees the woman eating, she will be labeled with the word self-centered. The same applies to working ladies.
Working women who don’t embrace motherhood or adjust with their in laws are considered self- centered. If you see a woman going out with her friends for lunch or planning a trip, she is also considered self-centered. Going out, enjoying yourself is a part of self care, and it is not about being selfish or self-centered .
Sacrifice is mostly seen among housewives as they are not allowed to convey strong opinions, strong desires, strong ambition, and clear dreams. That is why the whole family teaches them to sacrifice.
Do Indian households treat their daughters-in-law with respect and love that they deserve? Is it not unfair for a woman stuck in such a situaon to live according to her in laws traditions?
Dear Indian women, if your husband truly loves you, he will not keep you waiting to have lunch with him. He will call you immediately when he is busy. He will not demand you to eat or live your life according to his parents’ terms and conditions. Also, it doesn’t make you less of a woman if you put your needs first.
Sacrifice shouldn’t be a habit. You should know where to draw a line. Nobody says that after marriage, you should live according to your husband’s opinions, give up your happiness, and put your children to suffer too.
Do you know that according to Indian statistics 90 percent of women today are deficient in vitamins, leading to serious health issues after marriage. From cracked bones, pregnancy complications, depression, migraine, low immunity, anaemia, low weight, and hormonal imbalance.
Women can eat ‘with’ or ‘after everyone finishes eating, but it is still considered disrespectful by her in laws if she eats first. Sadly, pregnant and lactating mothers are the sufferers. The situation has improved over the years, but there are still some families following this tradition.
If you are sacrificing for the whole family believing still in this blind age old belief I must say that it is not the ultimate way to show your love and care. It may look great and thats what our society expects, the real strength comes when you as a women show that you are a ‘ human.’
So, to all my dear loving Indian women out there, learn to stop sacrificing and take care of yourself and then others.
Image source: YouTube
Date:15/11/23
India vs New Zealand Cricket World Cup 2023—Semi-Final Match.
A match that is special and memorable for Indians in more than one way! Virat Kohli became the only cricketer to make 50 ODI centuries. Shreyas Iyer also managed to hit a century! The show-stopping performance was by Mohammad Shami, who clinched a 7-wicket haul, navigating India’s win to seal their position in the Finals!
The cute flying kiss exchange between Anushka and Virat screamed of #couplegoals!
With all of this around, what particularly grabbed my attention was the Mahindra Thar advertisement, which felt like a revolutionary change in the advertising world. To begin with, it has two SUVs, one with a male driver and another with a female driver chasing up the mountains happily.
I remember, two years ago, my son, who is an ardent Formula-1 fan and follower, asked me, “Can’t women drive?” He was unaware of the judgments and theses on WOMEN and DRIVING! I did not intend to show him the wrong picture, so I did answer him. After a few days, he saw his friends’ mothers driving them to and from school.
Then I said, “See, women can drive.”
He, who had only seen me riding a moped, smiled at me. “Then why do I see only male drivers in Formula 1?” was the next question thrown at me.
To that, I chose to remain silent!
Yesterday, while watching this advertisement, I saw a ray of hope in his eyes! Although women do have a healthy relationship with driving at a personal level, the projection of it never came out to be the same!
“Why do you have to drive, rather book a cab?” is the one very frequently heard! There are endless jokes and memes about our driving skills, and trust me, they don’t sound funny to us in any way! I hope with this advertisement, we witness a change in the equation!
The second progressive thought and refreshing perspective that this advertisement brings is flipping the lyrics of an iconic melody, “Mere Sapno Ki Rani Kab Aaegi Tu…” to “Mere Sapno Ka Raja Kab Aaega Tu…” Which clearly normalizes women waiting for their Mr. Right as long as they want to!
The founder of the Mahindra group—Anand Mahindra is a name that keeps flashing on X (formerly known as Twitter) for his witty responses, presence of mind, humble attitude, etc. A big brand taking this step definitely gives the much-needed boost to the whole scenario, navigating it in the right direction!
In a world that often encourages us to be strong, self-sufficient, and invulnerable, the idea of embracing vulnerability might seem counterintuitive. However, it’s precisely in our vulnerability that we find our most authentic selves and connect deeply with others. This blog delves into the concept of vulnerability, its importance in personal growth, and the transformation it can bring to our lives.
Understanding Vulnerability
Vulnerability is the courage to open ourselves up to uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure. It’s about acknowledging our fears, insecurities, and imperfections and allowing ourselves to be seen as we truly are. While it may sound daunting, embracing vulnerability is a powerful step towards living a more genuine and fulfilling life.
The Connection Between Vulnerability and Authenticity
Embracing vulnerability is intrinsically tied to living authentically. When we hide our true selves, we often build walls that keep others at arm’s length. These walls, while they might protect us from potential hurt, also prevent us from forming meaningful connections.
By being vulnerable, we break down these barriers, allowing our authentic selves to shine through. This authenticity draws people to us and fosters deeper, more meaningful relationships. When we are real with others, we give them permission to be real with us in return.
The Power of Vulnerability in Relationships
In any relationship, whether it’s romantic, platonic, or professional, vulnerability is the key to unlocking trust and intimacy. Sharing our fears, insecurities, and hopes with another person can be intimidating, but it also fosters a sense of shared experience and empathy.
In romantic relationships, vulnerability can lead to deeper emotional connections and a more profound sense of love. In friendships, it can solidify bonds and create a supportive network. At work, vulnerability can foster a culture of trust and cooperation.
Practical Tips for Embracing Vulnerability
Now, I encourage you to take that first step toward embracing your vulnerability. Share your thoughts, your fears, and your dreams with someone you trust. It might seem daunting, but it can lead to a more fulfilling, authentic life. The beauty of vulnerability lies in the connections it forms, the understanding it fosters, and the personal growth it brings. So, go ahead and embrace your vulnerability, for it is the key to unlocking a more profound and authentic existence.
Navigating self-doubt at work? Learn tips to boost confidence, celebrate wins, and support peers. Let’s conquer impostor feelings together.
You are a powerful female leader, respected for your leadership and recognized for your expertise across the organization. But deep inside, you feel your growth is purely by chance and that you are not as competent as others. You feel you do not deserve this status or recognition.
Does this ring a bell? Sounds like a page out of your life?
This stark contrast between external reality and your own perception is a classic case of Impostor syndrome. Women with impostor syndrome are overly critical of their performance and are constantly looking for external validation.
It is common to feel a sense of doubt when starting a new role or opportunity. Self-doubt and self-criticism aren’t qualities unique to women. Other genders also go through these, but it is more prevalent in women, especially those who belong to underrepresented communities.
As per the KPMG study, in 2022, 75% of female executives across industries have experienced impostor syndrome in their careers.
Impostor syndrome is doubting your abilities and feeling undeserving of success. Overcoming it involves self-affirmation, embracing achievements, and fostering a supportive environment.
The most familiar style of leadership in many corporations is the powerful, outspoken, masculine leader radiating confidence and competence. Strong female leaders are still a minority in most organizations. Hence, women have very few role models they can look up to.
This leads to a fear of walking down a new path on their own, accompanied by a fear of standing out and being judged for it. This amplifies the insecurity in them and makes them withdraw into safer zones.
Read more: It’s 2020, Isn’t It Time We Had Women Role Models Who Also Head IITs?
Despite outstanding academic and professional accomplishments, women consistently underestimate their abilities and worth. This is due to societal and cultural norms and conditioning over the years.
Girls, in their formative years, are encouraged to underplay their skills and practice humility. They develop the fear of standing out in a crowd or speaking up for themselves early on in their lives.
Read more: 5 Tips To Build Your Confidence And Achieve All That You Want
Impostor syndrome may be a universal problem. But systemic sexism has a major role to play in fuelling this condition. If a woman has ideas or points to make in a conversation but never gets the chance to voice her ideas or her ideas are ignored, it leads her to doubt her skills, which snowballs into questions of self-worth and dignity.
Gender stereotyping has a far-lasting impact on a woman’s professional growth than one can contemplate.
Read more: 4 Unconscious Biases In The Workplace You Need To Stop In India!
It is crucial for women to know that they are not alone in this struggle. Millions of women worldwide across a spectrum of professions, educational qualifications, ages, races, and ethnic and cultural backgrounds have experienced impostor syndrome in their lives.
There is a lot of focus on advising women on how to fix this problem. Rather than telling women impostor syndrome is caused by a lack of confidence, we need to analyse and improve the ecosystem that we inhabit.
The answer to overcoming impostor syndrome is not to fix individuals, but to create an environment that fosters diverse leadership styles and one where racial, ethnic, and gender identities are respected and given equal opportunities.
Organizations must create a culture in the workplace that empowers women and addresses systemic bias and exclusion. Only by doing so can we reduce the experiences that culminate in the so-called impostor syndrome and help channel self-doubt into positive motivation.
Let’s join hands to foster a healthy work culture and enable more women leaders to break the proverbial glass ceiling!
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