Being a woman in today’s world isn’t always a walk in the park. While we’ve made huge strides towards equality, there are still plenty of hurdles women face every single day.
Curious about what these daily struggles look like, I reached out to some of my extended family members. After hearing their experiences and thinking about the common threads, I’ve put together a list of 15 challenges that many women encounter in their day-to-day lives.
1. The beauty pressure
My cousin said, “I feel like I have to put on makeup just to go to the grocery store. If I don’t, people ask if I’m sick or tired.”
Many women feel pressured to look perfect all the time. This constant need to meet beauty standards can be exhausting and expensive. It’s important to remember that beauty comes in all forms, and it’s okay to just be yourself. We should celebrate natural looks and focus more on inner beauty.
2. Safety concerns
Women often have to be extra careful about their safety, which can be stressful and unfair. This constant vigilance can be tiring and limit freedom. We need to work on making our communities safer for everyone.
3. Balancing work and family
“I feel guilty when I’m at work and guilty when I’m at home,” another cousin admitted. “It’s like I can never give enough time to either.”
Many women struggle to find a good balance between their job and family life. This “double shift” of paid work and housework can lead to burnout. We need more support systems and understanding from employers and partners.
4. The “pink tax”
A cousin pointed out, “Why do women’s razors cost more than men’s? And don’t get me started on the price of bras!”
This unfair pricing on women’s products is a real problem that adds up over time. It’s not just razors – many products marketed to women cost more than similar items for men. This extra expense isn’t fair and puts a financial burden on women.
5. Body image issues
Society puts a lot of pressure on women to look a certain way, which can be hard on self-esteem. We need to promote more diverse body types in media and teach girls to value themselves beyond their appearance.
6. Mansplaining
My grandmother surprisingly said, “Even at my age, men still try to explain things I already know. Just because I’m older doesn’t mean I’m clueless!”
This can be frustrating and make women feel undervalued. It’s important to recognize women’s knowledge and expertise, regardless of their age or appearance.
7. The mental load
“I’m always the one who remembers dentist appointments, birthday gifts, and what’s in the fridge,” sighed my mom. “It’s like I’m the family’s walking calendar and to-do list.”
Women often carry the invisible burden of household management. This constant mental juggling can be exhausting and often goes unnoticed. Families need to share this responsibility more equally.
Also read: 17 US Glamping Spots That Offer Comfort And Adventure For Boomers
8. Period struggles
Monthly periods can be uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing, especially for young girls. We need better education about menstruation and more access to affordable period products.
9. Workplace inequality
“I found out a male coworker with less experience gets paid more than me,” an aunt revealed. “When I asked for a raise, I was told I was being too aggressive.”
Sadly, the gender pay gap is still a big problem in many jobs. Women often face barriers to advancement and are judged differently than men for the same behaviors. We need more transparency in pay and fair evaluation processes.
10. Mom-shaming
A new mom in the family said, “I feel judged no matter what I do with my baby. Breastfeed or bottle-feed, stay at home or go back to work – someone always has an opinion.” The pressure on mothers to be perfect is tough and unfair. We need to support all moms and recognize there’s no one “right” way to parent.
11. Emotional labor
“I’m always the one comforting upset friends and family,” noted a cousin. “It’s draining, but I feel bad if I don’t do it.” Women often do a lot of unseen emotional work in relationships. This constant caregiving can be exhausting. We need to recognize and value this work and encourage men to share in it too.
12. Double standards
An aunt mentioned, “If I’m assertive at work, I’m called bossy. A man would be called a leader. I feel like I can’t win sometimes.” These unfair double standards can hold women back in their careers. We need to challenge these biases and judge people by their actions, not their gender.
13. Healthcare bias
Unfortunately, women’s health concerns are sometimes dismissed or underestimated. This can lead to delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment. We need better training for healthcare providers to recognize and address this bias.
14. Impostor syndrome
Many women struggle with feeling like they’re not good enough, even when they’re doing great. This self-doubt can hold women back from pursuing opportunities. We need to build each other up and recognize our own worth.
15. Online harassment
Sadly, women often face more harassment online than men do. This can make the internet feel unsafe and limit women’s ability to express themselves freely. We need better tools to combat online harassment and create safer digital spaces.
21 Mistakes That Place Seniors Living Alone At Risk
21 Mistakes That Place Seniors Living Alone At Risk
21 Quick And Easy Weeknight Dinners For Busy Families
