On International Women's Day, many speeches and messages rightly celebrate the achievements of women across society. Yet beyond celebrating progress, this day also offers an opportunity to reflect on something more practical: how women can communicate their capabilities more confidently and effectively in everyday life.
In many cases, the challenge facing women today is not a lack of ability or talent. Women lead businesses, manage complex professions, raise families, contribute to communities, and participate actively in public life. The real challenge is often how women present themselves, how their contributions are perceived, and sometimes how they themselves speak about their own role and abilities.
One surprisingly powerful factor in shaping these perceptions is language.
The words we use every day influence how others see us and how we see ourselves. Often, without realizing it, women use language that unintentionally downplays their own contribution or reinforces outdated expectations.
Take a very common example heard in many households. A woman might say, "My husband helps me at home because he mops the floor." At first glance, this sounds like a positive statement about partnership. However, the language subtly implies that household responsibilities primarily belong to the woman and that the man is "helping" her with her duties.
In reality, a home is shared by two people. Household responsibilities belong to both partners. A simple shift in language can change the message entirely. Instead of saying "he helps me," one might say, "we share the housework" or "we divide responsibilities at home." The difference may seem small, but it reflects a much more balanced understanding of roles.
This principle applies in many other areas of life.
For example, it is still common to hear women say things like, "I'm not good with finances, my husband takes care of that," or "I leave those decisions to someone else." Statements like these unintentionally reinforce the idea that financial management or strategic decision-making is outside the sphere of women's competence.
The truth is that managing finances, running organizations, making decisions, and solving problems are skills that can be learned and developed by anyone. Women who participate actively in these areas should recognize their competence and speak about it with confidence.
Another example appears frequently in the workplace. When a woman succeeds in a project or achieves an important milestone, she may say, "I was lucky," or "It just happened." While humility is a valuable trait, consistently attributing success to luck can diminish the hard work, preparation, and expertise that led to that achievement.
Acknowledging effort is not arrogance. Saying, "I worked very hard for this," or "Our team prepared well," simply reflects reality. Recognizing competence helps others recognize it as well.
Language therefore plays a crucial role in shaping confidence and perception. The way women describe their own actions, responsibilities, and achievements sends signals about how their contribution should be valued.
However, language alone is not enough. Confidence must also be supported by preparation, knowledge, and action.
One important step is continuous learning. Knowledge builds confidence. When a woman understands the subject she is speaking about - whether in business, politics, education, or community work - her voice naturally carries more weight. Preparation enables clarity and authority.
Another key element is supporting other women. Too often, women are placed in situations where they feel they must compete with one another for limited opportunities. In reality, progress is stronger when women support each other's success. Encouraging another woman, recognizing her contribution, or helping her step forward into leadership creates a positive cycle that benefits society as a whole.
Equally important is the willingness to accept mistakes and learn from them. Fear of failure can prevent people from taking opportunities. Yet every successful leader, professional, or entrepreneur has faced setbacks along the way. Failure is not a sign of weakness but part of growth. Taking risks, learning from experience, and trying again are essential parts of development.
Another practical step is ensuring that women are present where decisions are made. Whether in workplaces, community organizations, boards, councils, or political institutions, representation matters. When women participate in decision-making processes, discussions benefit from broader perspectives and more balanced viewpoints.
Confidence also includes the ability to set boundaries. Many women feel pressure to say "yes" to every request in order to be supportive or accommodating. However, learning to say "no" when necessary is an important aspect of self-respect and effective leadership.
Ultimately, the goal of empowering women is not about creating competition between women and men. A healthy and successful society depends on cooperation. When men and women work together with mutual respect, sharing responsibilities and valuing each other's contributions, communities become stronger and more resilient.
The message of empowerment therefore begins with everyday choices: how women speak about themselves, how they recognize their achievements, and how they support others around them.
Every time a woman expresses her opinion with confidence, participates in an important discussion, or helps another woman move forward, she contributes to building a more equal and inclusive society.
Sometimes change begins with something very simple - the words we choose to describe ourselves, our work, and our value.
Dr Katya De Giovanni is a warranted Organisational Psychologist and Member of Parliament