Jelena Dincic
For centuries, even millennia, women have been treated as second-class citizens.
It’s only over the last hundred years or so that women have gained the right to vote, access education, and pursue the same careers as men.
It’s been a remarkable journey, and yet, we still haven’t reached true gender equality. In some parts of the world, women are far from free. They’re still oppressed by cultural norms and discriminatory laws.
But even in modern Western societies where we’re equal on paper, inequalities persist.
Women are paid less for the same work and often don’t enjoy the same opportunities as their male counterparts. The gender pay gap and the glass ceiling are harsh reminders that the fight for gender equality is far from over.
Amidst these challenges and disparities, there are women who know their worth, stand tall, and defy the odds.
They inspire us with their resilience, self-assuredness, and unwavering belief in their abilities.
Read on to find out the 8 behaviors a woman who values herself highly displays:
1) Unwavering confidence
Despite the various challenges she may face, a woman who values herself remains confident.
The truth is that it isn’t always easy to navigate the world as a woman.
We’re not always taken seriously, especially in the workplace.
But a woman who values herself highly won’t let anything or anyone stand in her way.
She knows what she’s capable of and won’t let anyone shake her confidence or make her feel small.
What’s more, she pays no heed to what society expects from her nor does she accept limitations imposed on by men.
But don’t think she’s arrogant!
Her unwavering confidence comes from self-awareness and a deep understanding of her worth.
2) Defying stereotypes and breaking boundaries
Another sign that a woman values herself highly is the fact that she defies stereotypes and breaks boundaries.
She’ll challenge the status quo and preconceived notions about gender roles and ask questions like, “Who says a woman can’t do that?”
Her actions are proof that capability and passion know no gender boundaries.
A woman who knows her worth is strong and confident.
She’s a mother, a sister, and a daughter.
She’s a teacher, a judge, a lawmaker, a doctor, and a scientist. She’s an athlete, a race car driver, and an astronaut.
She’s whoever she wants to be.
3) Empowers and inspires others
As I mentioned above, a woman who values herself highly is constantly breaking gender barriers.
In doing so, she’s empowering other women and showing them just what they can do if they set their minds to it.
For example, let’s say she is a scientist who does groundbreaking work in her field or an athlete who wins several gold medals at the Olympics.
Well, all those little girls and young women watching think, “Wow, I could actually do that when I grow up!” and they’ll go on to become scientists or Olympians themselves.
But that’s not all, a woman who knows her value feels it’s her duty to support and encourage other women.
It’s not enough to know her worth and to be successful and accomplished.
She wants to help other women break free and reach their full potential.
4) They make good leaders
Let me tell you something, it takes guts, confidence, and know-how to take on leadership roles.
To be good in those roles takes even more.
It’s a unique blend of strength and compassion which is why a woman who values herself highly makes a great leader.
- She leads with her mind and her heart.
- She’s tough but fair.
- She listens to others and is open to compromise and collaboration, qualities that have often been undervalued in the traditionally male-dominated world.
She is the perfect example of how leadership can take on diverse forms and be highly effective.
5) Nurtures healthy relationships
The simple truth is that a woman who values themselves highly loves herself too much to waste time on toxic relationships.
Whether it be family, friends, coworkers, or romantic partners, it’s important to be in the company of positive and well-meaning people and to have healthy relationships.
That’s why she doesn’t tolerate disrespect and there’s no way she’d settle when it comes to relationships.
She knows that a healthy and happy relationship is built on mutual respect and love, and nothing less will do.
6) Advocates for change
One of her most inspiring behaviors is her activism.
You see, it’s not enough that she’s empowered or has learned to love and value herself.
She’s a feminist who wants ALL women to recognize their value and find their voice.
In other words, she’s a big advocate for change.
- She takes an active part in the fight for gender equality.
- She believes in a woman’s right to choose and can often be seen protesting abortion bans.
- She uses her voice, resources, and platforms to raise awareness and create lasting change when it comes to women’s rights and other issues close to her heart.
7) Champion of self-care
When you value someone and love them, you take care of them, right?
That also means taking care of yourself, which a lot of people forget to do, but not a woman who values herself. She’s the champion of self-care.
Forget about diets, pills, botox, and plastic surgery to look thinner, younger, or prettier!
She loves and respects herself too much which is why she takes care of her mental, emotional, and physical health.
She eats healthily, exercises, takes nature walks, meditates, does yoga, and spends time in nature…
It’s by taking care of herself that she is able to take care of others.
8) The journey continues
No matter how far she’s come or what she’s achieved, a woman who values herself knows that there’s always more to learn and more to be done.
The battle for gender equality is ongoing, and each generation faces its own unique challenges.
But with the unwavering confidence and self-worth displayed by these women who defy the odds, we can be inspired to continue the fight.
The bottom line
I hope this article has inspired you to find your value and learn to appreciate and love yourself.
Be strong, believe in yourself, and don’t let anyone stand in the way of your dreams!
