Women across the world face unique mental health challenges shaped by societal expectations, cultural beliefs, and deeply ingrained gender roles. Many of these pressures are subtle, often lurking beneath the surface of everyday life. Yet, their effects can be profound, affecting women’s self-esteem, identity, and overall well-being. Whether it’s the pressure to excel at both work and home, cultural stigma surrounding mental health, or the lasting effects of internalized misogyny, women are often caught in a web of expectations that can weigh heavily on their mental health.
At IamWomanProject, we understand these challenges deeply. Our goal is to raise awareness, provide support, and help women navigate the complexities of modern life without losing themselves in the process. This is why we’ve partnered with Siren Training to bring you Mental Health First Aid Courses, Neurodiversity Training for Workplaces, and Wellbeing Workshops, all designed to empower women to prioritize their mental health and take control of their emotional well-being.
Let’s break down some of the cultural and societal pressures that can have a significant impact on women’s mental health.
The “Superwoman” Syndrome: Balancing Career, Family, and Self-Care
We’ve all heard the term “Superwoman.” It’s the idea that women should excel at everything—maintaining a successful career, being an amazing mom, running a smooth household, and of course, taking time for self-care. Sounds familiar, right? The “Superwoman” syndrome is real, and it’s affecting more women than we might realize.
The Modern-Day Pressure
For many women, it’s not just about juggling these roles—it’s about excelling in all of them, often without asking for help. Society has created this image of the “perfect woman” who can do it all, often without breaking a sweat. And while achieving these things is admirable, the pressure to maintain it all can become overwhelming.
The result? Many women experience burnout, constant stress, and anxiety because they’re living up to unrealistic expectations. It’s hard enough to balance work and family, but when you add societal expectations on top, it can feel impossible to measure up.
Self-Care or Another Item on the To-Do List?
Ironically, while women are told to take time for self-care, the pressure to “practice self-care” can feel like another demand. Sure, a day at the spa sounds amazing, but what happens when you’re already balancing a million other things? Even relaxation can become something that feels like an obligation, leaving many women feeling like they’re failing at taking care of themselves. This cycle often leaves women feeling depleted and stressed, rather than refreshed and rejuvenated.
At IamWomanProject, we believe self-care isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. But we also understand that women need real support and strategies to make it happen, which is why our collaboration with Siren Training offers Wellbeing Workshops to help women find practical ways to manage stress and avoid burnout.
Impact of Cultural Taboos on Seeking Mental Health Treatment in Women
In many cultures, talking about mental health openly is still considered taboo, especially for women. Whether it’s the fear of being judged or not wanting to seem “weak,” the stigma surrounding mental health can prevent women from seeking the help they need.
The Stigma Around Mental Health
For women, this stigma can be even more intense because they’re often expected to be the emotional caretakers of their families. Admitting they need help or that they’re struggling with anxiety or depression can feel like a failure, particularly in cultures where women are seen as the backbone of the family unit.
In many communities, therapy or counseling is viewed with suspicion or considered a last resort. Mental health issues might be explained away as a lack of faith, a weak character, or even a “phase.” And for women, the consequences of seeking mental health treatment can go beyond personal stigma—they may fear being judged as unfit mothers, untrustworthy partners, or incapable employees.
Delaying Treatment
The result is that many women suffer in silence. By not addressing their mental health issues early on, these problems can worsen over time, leading to more serious conditions like severe anxiety, depression, or even trauma disorders.
The partnership between IamWomanProject and Siren Training seeks to break down these barriers by offering Mental Health First Aid Courses. These courses are designed to equip women with the knowledge and skills to support themselves and others through mental health challenges, reducing stigma and encouraging earlier intervention.
Mental Health Consequences of Traditional Gender Roles in Different Cultures
Traditional gender roles are often deeply ingrained in cultural norms, and for women, this can shape their sense of self-worth and mental health in profound ways. In many societies, women are expected to prioritize their family’s needs over their own, sacrificing their own ambitions or well-being in the process.
The Pressure to Conform
In some cultures, women’s identities are closely tied to their roles as mothers, wives, and caregivers. Stepping outside these roles can lead to criticism or rejection. For example, a woman who chooses not to have children or to focus on her career might face harsh judgment, both from within her family and from society at large.
These expectations can create a sense of obligation and guilt. Women might feel pressure to conform to what’s expected of them, even if it doesn’t align with their true desires or personal goals. Over time, this can lead to feelings of frustration, resentment, and low self-worth. When a woman feels like she can’t live up to these roles—or when she feels trapped by them—it takes a toll on her mental health.
Invisible Emotional Labor
Another aspect of traditional gender roles is the expectation that women will manage the emotional well-being of the household. This “invisible labor” is rarely acknowledged, but it can be exhausting. Whether it’s making sure everyone in the family is emotionally supported, organizing schedules, or remembering important dates, this constant emotional caretaking can drain women both physically and mentally.
At IamWomanProject, we emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing the emotional labor that often goes unnoticed. Through our Wellbeing Workshops, we help women develop strategies to cope with these pressures and maintain their mental health.
IamWomanProject’s collaboration with Siren Training is an integral part of our mission to provide women with the tools they need to thrive, both personally and professionally. Through Neurodiversity Training for Workplaces, we help employers better understand and support diverse mental health needs, ensuring that women in the workplace feel empowered and understood.
The societal and cultural pressures placed on women are complex, but they don’t have to be faced alone. By acknowledging these challenges and providing practical support, we can create a world where women feel empowered to prioritize their mental health without shame or guilt. IamWomanProject is proud to be part of this journey, offering resources and workshops that help women reclaim their mental well-being in a world that often asks too much of them.
Internalized Misogyny and Its Effect on Women’s Self-Esteem and Identity
One of the more subtle yet damaging pressures women face is internalized misogyny—the process by which societal norms and sexist beliefs become internalized, leading women to judge themselves and other women harshly. Internalized misogyny often works in the background, shaping self-esteem and identity in ways that are not always easy to recognize.
What Is Internalized Misogyny?
At its core, internalized misogyny happens when women adopt the belief systems that devalue femininity. This could look like judging themselves for not fitting into societal beauty standards, being overly critical of other women, or dismissing traditionally feminine traits (such as empathy or emotional expression) as “weakness.” Many women hold themselves to impossibly high standards, not realizing that these expectations are rooted in a culture that has long undervalued women.
For example, the constant pressure to be attractive—but not too attractive—can lead to insecurity and self-loathing. Similarly, women might feel ashamed of their ambitions because they’ve been taught that their primary value lies in being nurturing, not successful.
How Internalized Misogyny Affects Mental Health
This internalized bias can have a serious impact on women’s mental health. Constantly feeling like you’re not “good enough” or that you need to compete with other women can result in chronic low self-esteem, anxiety, and even depression. The pressure to be “perfect” in every way—beautiful, successful, maternal—can make women feel like they’re constantly failing, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
Internalized misogyny can also contribute to imposter syndrome. Many women, even when they’ve achieved great success, feel like they don’t truly deserve it. They may downplay their achievements or constantly fear being “found out” as unworthy. These feelings are often a reflection of societal conditioning that tells women they shouldn’t take up too much space or claim too much success.
Unlearning Internalized Misogyny
The good news is that internalized misogyny can be unlearned. It takes time, self-awareness, and the willingness to challenge long-held beliefs about what it means to be a woman. Women can begin to recognize when these harmful thoughts arise and actively work to replace them with more empowering, self-affirming beliefs.
At IamWomanProject, we see this process as a vital part of improving mental health and self-worth. Our Wellbeing Workshops aim to help women explore these issues, offering tools and strategies to break free from the limiting beliefs imposed by a patriarchal society. Through our collaboration with Siren Training, we provide women with a safe space to reframe their narratives and rebuild their sense of identity on their own terms.
How IamWomanProject and Siren Training Support Women’s Mental Health
At IamWomanProject, our mission is to provide women with the resources and support they need to thrive mentally, emotionally, and professionally. We understand that the pressures women face are not only societal but also deeply personal. That’s why we’ve partnered with Siren Training to offer a range of programs aimed at equipping women with the tools to manage mental health challenges and succeed in every aspect of life.
Mental Health First Aid Courses
Mental health first aid is just as important as physical first aid, but many people aren’t equipped to offer the support that others might need in a crisis. Our Mental Health First Aid Courses, in partnership with Siren Training, teach participants how to recognize the signs of mental health issues, offer initial support, and guide someone toward professional help. This is particularly crucial in workplaces and communities where mental health support may not be readily available.
By taking part in these courses, women can gain confidence in addressing mental health concerns—whether for themselves or others. The aim is to reduce stigma, open up conversations about mental health, and ensure that support is accessible to everyone who needs it.
Neurodiversity Training for Workplaces
For many women, the workplace can be a source of stress, especially when there’s a lack of understanding around neurodiversity. Women with conditions such as ADHD, autism, or dyslexia often face additional challenges due to a lack of accommodations and awareness.
Our Neurodiversity Training for Workplaces helps employers and colleagues better understand the unique strengths and challenges of neurodiverse women. By promoting inclusivity and providing practical tools for creating supportive environments, this training helps ensure that all women—regardless of how their brains work—can succeed at work without feeling isolated or overwhelmed.
Wellbeing Workshops
Finally, our Wellbeing Workshops are designed to offer women practical solutions for managing stress, avoiding burnout, and prioritizing self-care in a meaningful way. These workshops go beyond the surface-level advice often seen in wellness spaces and provide real tools for women to integrate into their busy lives. From mindfulness techniques to boundary-setting, our workshops focus on empowering women to reclaim their time, energy, and mental well-being.
Reclaiming Women’s Mental Health in a World of Pressure
Cultural and societal pressures on women are complex and pervasive, but they don’t have to define us. From the “Superwoman” syndrome to the stigma around mental health, traditional gender roles, and internalized misogyny, these challenges can weigh heavily on women’s mental health. But awareness is the first step toward change.
At IamWomanProject, we believe in creating a world where women can thrive without the burden of unrealistic expectations. Our collaboration with Siren Training is one way we’re helping women take control of their mental health and find balance in their lives. Through mental health first aid, neurodiversity training, and wellbeing workshops, we’re building a supportive community that empowers women to break free from societal pressures and prioritize their own well-being.
It’s time to rewrite the narrative. Women are not defined by how well they meet society’s expectations—they are defined by their resilience, strength, and the ability to support one another through life’s challenges. Together, we can make mental health a priority, break down the barriers that hold women back, and create a world where every woman feels seen, supported, and empowered to live authentically.