Updated: Jan. 8, 2021
Originally Published: Feb. 25, 2018
As I watch my bold and spirited 6-year-old daughter, I often feel an overwhelming sense of pride. Yet, there are moments when fear creeps in. I can’t help but wonder who might try to undermine her strength, who could instill doubt in her mind.
Being a woman, I recognize that it’s only a matter of time before she faces societal pressures that could erode her confidence. She might start to fixate on her minor flaws, obsessing over things like her body shape or the way she looks, regardless of how healthy or fit she may be.
From an early age, she’ll be subtly taught that her voice is less significant than those of the boys around her. She’ll notice how often her classmates are encouraged to speak up while she’s told to step back. Phrases like “boys tease you because they like you” will become ingrained in her understanding of relationships. She may even be told her laughter is too loud.
As she matures, she’ll encounter the double standards that define our culture: assertive boys are praised while outspoken girls are labeled “bossy.” She may try to minimize herself—her opinions, her presence, her essence—just to fit in.
Society will pressure her into believing her value hinges on her attractiveness, particularly in the eyes of men. The unattainable beauty standards will loom large, creating a constant sense of inadequacy. She’ll see that while men are often evaluated based on their abilities, women are judged by their looks.
As she navigates adulthood, the financial burden of beauty products will weigh heavily on her—makeup, skincare, fashion—expenses that men typically do not face. Furthermore, she’ll discover the challenge of balancing professional responsibilities with family life, and she’ll come to understand the harsh realities of wage gaps and discrimination in the workplace.
It’s disheartening to think of how society might attempt to erode her self-love. But my hope is that she sees beyond the façade. I want her to retain the confidence that my partner and I have nurtured during her formative years. She must understand that society’s fixation on beauty is merely a distraction; confident women pose a threat to the status quo.
In 2018, I feel optimistic that women are reclaiming their confidence. Conversations around issues like sexual harassment are finally happening, and the demand for equal pay is growing. Social media has become a platform for women to share their experiences and connect with other empowered individuals.
Every confident woman will tell you that her journey was not without its challenges. We’ve faced failures and victories, wrestling with self-doubt but ultimately emerging stronger. A confident woman isn’t afraid to express herself or defend her friends. She possesses a voice that she won’t hesitate to use when it’s needed most.
Once a young woman establishes that confidence within herself, it becomes unshakeable. And truly, there’s nothing more beautiful than that.
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Summary
This article discusses the societal pressures that can undermine the confidence of young girls as they grow into women. It highlights the importance of nurturing self-esteem and resilience in girls to help them navigate the challenges posed by societal expectations, double standards, and beauty standards. The author expresses hope for future generations of women who are reclaiming their confidence and voice.
Keyphrase: Raising Confident Women
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