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On the grand, glittering dance floor of professional life, where confidence is the currency and achievement is the dress code, there are uninvited guests lurking at every woman’s party. It’s impostor syndrome. This unwelcome plus one whispers doubts and insecurities, convincing many talented women that they are only wearing the guise of competence, and that the mask is about to be torn off.
Linguistic idiosyncrasies highlight the challenges women face in the profession, especially for those of us who fly frequently. At some of the region’s largest airports and on many regional airlines, “business class” still translates to “businessman class” in Arabic. Every time I see this phrase, ironically, every time I travel for business, it reminds me of the marginalization of women, even in supposedly universal spaces like airports. It’s a stark, if sometimes subtle, reminder that it’s pervasive.
Source: Ruwayda Abela Norsen
And no, this is not just a minor annoyance. It’s a symbol of the hurdles women continue to overcome, and a linguistic relic of a bygone era that lingers in our supposedly progressive modern times.
It’s the numbers that matter
You’ve probably heard this statistic. A man will apply for a job if he only meets 60% of the qualifications, whereas a woman believes that she should only apply if she meets 100% of the qualifications. This contradiction isn’t just about confidence. It’s about the social blueprint we are given from an early age, especially in my generation in the Middle East. Men are often encouraged to take the plunge, whereas women are taught to approach opportunities with caution and carefully evaluate their own qualities before taking action. This difference in job search behavior highlights not just individual doubts, but the systemic structures that shape our self-evaluation.
high heels and low ceilings
Every woman feels like she’s walking a tightrope in high heels, balancing her actual accomplishments with the fear of being called a fraud. You may. Imagine this. You’re walking a tightrope, juggling your talent and success, sometimes with a few jolly drinks (because why not?). Impostor Syndrome is waiting with its web beneath you, and I’m sure you’ll fall for it. Spoiler alert: That’s not the case. Have you ever walked on cobblestones in heels (also a male invention) – you can cope with this.
A secret society of “just luck”
This is a cult that many of us do not join, but yet find ourselves becoming members of – an “I was just lucky” society. Here, successful women attribute their success to sheer luck, chance, or clerical mistakes. Featuring keynote speakers such as “Chance” and “Right Place, Right Time,” the conference will take place inside the minds of talented women from around the world. But it’s time to move away from such concepts. Your accomplishments are not winning the lottery. It’s the result of your hard work, dedication, and the special sparkle you bring to everything you do.
Related: Advocating for change: Advocating for mothers in the workplace
This old one?
In the complicated dance of work and personal life, many women avoid compliments and stand a little shorter, as if their brilliance casts too long a shadow on others. It has been choreographed to. It’s as if we’re programmed to have humble reflexes and immediately respond with “Oh, it was nothing” every time we receive a compliment, or to distract ourselves with “Anyone could have done that.” it seems like. It’s a delicate dance, being careful not to step on any toes or be too flashy. But then, a thought swirled around the dance floor. If my accomplishments make someone feel inadequate, it’s not my fault. This is not about ego or vanity. It’s about recognizing that dimming our light does no good to the world. We learn not to feel guilty or ashamed of our successes. Instead, we embrace it and stand tall to light the path for others rather than cast a shadow.
revolutionary revelation
These facts, such as the disparity in confidence in job hunting and the linguistic oversight of the “businessman class,” form the background of our dance. These are reminders that masquerade in professional life is set within a complex tapestry of societal expectations and cultural norms. But recognizing these challenges will help us rewrite the rules of the dance and move towards a world where women apply for roles as boldly as their counterparts, and where “business class” clearly includes talented women who sit there. This is the first step.
Dance away your doubts
Imagine circling the dance floor in disbelief. At first, your toes will be stepped on and you will trip. But as the night progresses, you learn to lead. We all find ourselves wearing a shadow of doubt, and that’s okay. It’s part of the dance. The trick is to let the music drown out the whispers of impostor syndrome and keep you moving to the rhythm of your accomplishments.
grow a garden
Each of us has a verdant land, a garden of potential. While we do all we can to help others thrive, nurture them, encourage them, and even share water with them when their gardens dry up, we are ultimately responsible for caring for our own gardens. is within yourself. Each of us must water ourselves, soak up the sunshine, and embrace the seasons of growth and renewal. The realization that growing up, accepting compliments with grace, and taking ownership of one’s accomplishments is not selfish can be liberating. It allows us to stand higher together rather than in competition, knowing that our gardens can coexist, each one a testament to personal care, passion and resilience.
invisible tiara
To protect themselves from the prying eyes of impostor syndrome, many people pretend to be perfect. This costume, while dazzling, was itchy, uncomfortable, and honestly, a bit last season. It’s a garment made from late nights, self-doubt, and the pursuit of unattainable standards. Let’s put it back in the closet. Instead, wear clothes that are “good enough” with pride. It’s the new black, get it? It goes with everything and brings out your true self.
And remember the power of our collective voices to challenge narratives and bring about change. The statistics that highlight our hesitations when applying for jobs are a call to action, to guide us, to encourage us, to apply with confidence that we belong in whatever field we aspire to. . And what about the outdated translations that greet us on every business trip? Let this serve not as a reminder of exclusion, but as a motivation to demand more inclusive language and recognition in all realms, including the skies.
So to all the women who have ever felt the pain of imposter syndrome, please know this. Your accomplishments are not a matter of luck or chance. They are the result of your talent, hard work, and resilience. Your invisible tiara is very real and it’s time for the world to recognize the queen she is wearing it.
Together, we will adjust our tiaras so that they do not obscure, but shine brighter, reflecting the truth of our accomplishments, the depth of our abilities, and the abiding strength of our spirit. Sho.
Related: The future is bright for gender equality in STEM fields in the MENA region
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