Society generally has different expectations for men and women when it comes to their careers. For women, the expectation is often that they will prioritize their family responsibilities over their careers. Women are often expected to take on the majority of domestic responsibilities, such as child-rearing and household management, even if they are working full-time outside the home. This can make it difficult for women to balance their work and personal lives and can make it harder for them to advance in their careers.
Additionally, women are often expected to be more nurturing and caring, and to put others’ needs before their own. This can make it difficult for women to assert themselves in the workplace and to be seen as strong leaders.
On the other hand, men are generally expected to be more ambitious and career-focused, and to prioritize their careers over their personal lives. This can make it easier for men to advance in their careers and to be seen as strong leaders.
Asserting oneself in the workplace can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can help.
Speak up, share your ideas, thoughts, and opinions in meetings and discussions. Make sure your voice is heard and that your contributions are recognized.
Set clear boundaries by communicating your availability and expectations to your colleagues and managers.
Be confident in your abilities. Believe in yourself and your qualifications. Don’t doubt your own abilities or let others make you feel inadequate.
Build relationships with your colleagues, managers, and other professionals in your field. This can help you gain visibility, access to resources, and opportunities for advancement.
Be prepared, be well-informed about your job, your company, and the industry. This will help you make informed decisions and contribute to discussions.
Seek feedback from your colleagues and managers so as to identify areas where you can improve and give you a better understanding of how you are perceived in the workplace.
And most of all, get mentorship. It is crucial that you find a mentor who can guide you, give you advice, and help you navigate the workplace.