Breaking the Silence: Impostor Syndrome & International Women’s Day
Each year, International Women’s Day (IWD) serves as a global reminder of the progress women have made in science, business, politics, and beyond. Yet, despite their achievements, many women face an invisible barrier that undermines their confidence: Impostor Syndrome.
Impostor syndrome is the persistent feeling that one’s success is undeserved, attributing accomplishments to luck rather than competence. Research shows that 70% of people experience it at some point (Sakulku & Alexander, 2011). However, women, particularly in leadership roles, report experiencing it more frequently and intensely than men (Bravata et al., 2019). A staggering 75% of women executives struggle with impostor syndrome, often overworking to "prove" their worth and facing heightened stress as a result (KPMG, 2023).
As we celebrate IWD 2025, it’s time to acknowledge this challenge and equip women with strategies to overcome self-doubt.
The Hidden Weight of Impostor Syndrome
Why Is Impostor Syndrome So Prevalent Among Women?
The roots of impostor syndrome among women can be traced to societal expectations, workplace biases, and early socialization. Key contributing factors include:
Lack of Representation: When women see few female role models in leadership, they may feel they don’t belong at the table (Clance & Imes, 1978).
Perfectionism Pressure: Many women feel they must excel at everything to be taken seriously, making them hyper-aware of perceived shortcomings (Forbes, 2023).
Gender Bias in Feedback: Women often receive less actionable feedback compared to men, which can fuel self-doubt (Harvard Business Review, 2023).
Cultural Expectations: Women are often encouraged to be humble, collaborative, and accommodating—qualities that can make self-promotion feel unnatural (PsyPost, 2024).
How It Manifests in Daily Life
Women experiencing impostor syndrome may:
Dismiss their successes as "luck" or "timing."
Fear being exposed as a “fraud.”
Set unrealistically high standards and feel disappointed when they aren’t met.
Overwork to compensate for feelings of inadequacy.
This self-doubt doesn’t just affect confidence—it can also hold women back from seeking promotions, negotiating salaries, or taking on leadership roles (McKinsey & Company, 2024).
A Story of Resilience: Sarah’s Journey
Sarah, a mid-level manager at a tech firm, had always been a high achiever. She graduated top of her class, earned multiple certifications, and was promoted faster than her peers. Yet, every time she walked into a meeting, she felt like an impostor.
“I kept thinking, ‘What if they find out I’m not as smart as they think I am?’” Sarah recalls. “I worked twice as hard as everyone else, but I still felt like I didn’t deserve my seat at the table.”
It wasn’t until Sarah attended a women’s leadership conference on International Women’s Day that she realized she wasn’t alone. Hearing other accomplished women share their struggles with impostor syndrome was a turning point. “It was like a weight lifted off my shoulders,” she says. “I realized I didn’t have to be perfect to be enough.”
Sarah began reframing her thoughts, celebrating her wins, and seeking mentorship. Today, she’s a senior executive and mentors other women navigating similar challenges.
IWD 2025: Empowering Women to Overcome Impostor Syndrome
This International Women’s Day, let’s shift the narrative. Women belong in boardrooms, on panels, and in leadership. Here’s how we can support one another in breaking free from impostor syndrome:
1. Acknowledge and Normalize It
The first step in overcoming impostor syndrome is recognition. Many accomplished women—including Michelle Obama, Sheryl Sandberg, and Maya Angelou—have admitted to experiencing these feelings.
Action Step:
Host IWD panels where female leaders share their struggles. Normalizing these conversations can help women feel less alone (HBR, 2022).
2. Reframe Negative Thoughts
Instead of thinking, “I don’t deserve this success,” reframe it to “I have worked hard and earned this opportunity.”
Action Step:
Keep a success journal to document positive feedback, milestones, and career wins. Reviewing it can counter self-doubt (Calm, 2024).
3. Seek Mentorship and Sponsorship
Mentorship is powerful in combating impostor syndrome. A strong support system can provide encouragement and perspective.
Action Step:
Companies can launch mentorship programs pairing women with senior leaders who offer guidance and advocacy (KPMG, 2023).
4. Celebrate Wins—Big and Small
Women are often taught to be modest, downplaying their accomplishments. Celebrating success builds confidence and momentum.
Action Step:
Create a #CelebrateWomen campaign on IWD, where women publicly recognize each other’s achievements (Forbes, 2023).
5. Challenge Workplace Biases
Organizations must foster environments where women feel valued and supported.
Action Step:
Evaluate promotion processes to ensure women are encouraged to apply for leadership roles, even if they don’t feel 100% qualified (McKinsey & Company, 2024).
6. Practice Self-Compassion
Women facing impostor syndrome often hold themselves to impossible standards. Learning to be kind to yourself can silence the inner critic.
Action Step:
Encourage a culture of self-care and mental wellness through workplace initiatives like stress management and therapy resources (Psychological Strategies to Overcome Impostor Syndrome, 2025).
Breaking the Cycle for Future Generations
The impact of impostor syndrome isn’t limited to the workplace. Studies show that girls as young as six start to doubt their intelligence compared to boys (PsyPost, 2024). We must empower the next generation to step into their confidence through leadership camps, educational initiatives, and programs that instill self-belief.
FELIZ Consulting’s IWD 2025 Programs
FELIZ Consulting is offering special programs to support women and allies in overcoming impostor syndrome and advancing in their careers. Our IWD 2025 #AccelerateAction Programs Include:
Overcoming Impostor Syndrome
Unconscious Bias and Behaviour
Allyship and How to Be an Ally to All
Executive Presence for Women
Confidence-Building Workshops
Mentorship & Leadership Coaching
Gender Bias & Workplace Inclusion Training
Final Thoughts: You Are Not an Impostor
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s remember:
Women belong in every space where decisions are made.
Feelings of self-doubt will come and go, but they don’t define your worth.
You are capable. You have earned your success. You deserve to take up space.
This IWD 2025 with #Accelerateaction, let’s commit to lifting each other, speaking about our achievements unapologetically, and breaking free from impostor syndrome together. Did you like this article? Please share it with friends and get in touch with FELIZ to learn more about how we can help!
References
Bravata, D. M., et al. (2019). "Prevalence, predictors, and treatment of impostor syndrome: a systematic review." Journal of General Internal Medicine.
Clance, P. R., & Imes, S. A. (1978). "The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women: Dynamics and Therapeutic Intervention." Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice.
KPMG. (2023). "Women’s Leadership Study."
McKinsey & Company. (2024). "Debunking Imposter Syndrome."
Harvard Business Review. (2023). "Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Our Favorite Reads."
PsyPost. (2024). "Imposter Syndrome: The Gender Gap in Perceived Competence."
Calm. (2024). "How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome."
Forbes. (2023). "75% Of Women Executives Experience Imposter Syndrome In The Workplace."
Psychological Strategies to Overcome Impostor Syndrome. (2025). International Journal of Feminist Research.