Growing up, I often felt the weight of cultural expectations that demanded beauty from women and perceived them predominantly for their appearance. The belief that our value hinged on our ability to wear heels, apply makeup perfectly, or maintain a certain physique was a constant pressure. It felt like a tightrope walk where a woman's self-worth was precariously balanced on these external benchmarks.

During a recent conversation with a close friend, I opened up about these experiences and feelings. But as I shared, my friend interrupted me and shared a complexity to this situation that I had never thought about before.

Despite having the looks that many would associate with a model and being a highly accomplished lawyer, she faced judgments that minimized her for those very looks. She spoke of an underlying narrative that suggested women who climbed the corporate ladder, particularly those who were conventionally attractive, must have used their beauty or connections rather than merit to get ahead.

This story was eye-opening. Women not only face the pressure to conform to beauty standards, but also the potential backlash if one conforms "too well."

Women find themselves in a perplexing catch-22: Be beautiful, but not too beautiful. Be feminine, but not so much that it undermines your professional capabilities.

I resonated with her sentiments. For years, I've distanced myself from equating self-worth with appearance. Yet, her words reminded me of instances where I'd downplayed my femininity or beauty to avoid overshadowing my abilities or to be taken seriously. It's a disheartening realization that while we combat one stereotype, we might inadvertently step into another.

In this multifaceted journey of womanhood, it's evident that we have a collective challenge. We must work towards a world where a woman's value isn't dictated by her looks, but also where she doesn't feel the need to diminish her femininity to be recognized for her intellect and capabilities. A world where every woman can stand confidently in her truth, without the shadow of societal judgments.

A Call to Collective Action
The stories shared today are but two perspectives in a vast sea of experiences. But the common thread is clear: there is an intricate web of societal expectations placed upon women that detract from personal capabilities, and instead focus on external, material factors. If we are to rewrite this narrative, it requires more than just individual introspection; it requires collective action.

To all the women reading this: don’t shy away from engaging in conversations about femininity, beauty, and professional worth. Amplify the voices of women around you, celebrating their talents beyond superficial traits. Encourage your workplace to foster environments that value diversity and reject reductive stereotypes.

Each of us has the power to be a catalyst for change. Let's not use it just for ourselves, but for the generations of women who will follow in our footsteps. Together, we can pave a path where every woman feels valued, recognized, and empowered, embracing every facet of her beauty and strength.