Tinatin Rukhadze
Managing Partner of ACT Global
Today, women are more independent, confident, and ambitious than they were ten or twenty years ago. They successfully lead companies, drive innovation, and hold leadership positions in politics, business, science, and technology.
And yet, despite this progress, numerous social and psychological barriers still exist—hidden limitations that prevent women from fully realizing their potential. Here are some of them:
1. The “I’m Not Ready Yet” Syndrome
Many women are internally convinced that they are not yet ready for new challenges—whether it’s career advancement, starting their own business, or taking on a more active social role. Research shows that women often wait until they have the perfect level of knowledge and experience before taking an important step. From childhood, girls are taught caution, a drive for perfection, and safe choices, while boys are encouraged to be bold. As a result, many women miss out on opportunities simply because they hesitate to take the first step.
How to overcome it?
Remember: No one is ever 100% ready for new challenges. Confidence comes from action, not from waiting. You are ready—just take the first step!
2. The Fear Factor: “What Will Others Say?”
Many women make decisions based on how society—family, friends, or acquaintances—might react. From an early age, girls are taught that their behavior, appearance, and choices should depend on the opinions of others. A "good girl" shouldn’t be too bold, shouldn’t stand out, and shouldn’t break the rules.
As a result, women often hold back from doing what they truly want because they fear judgment.
How to overcome it?
Remember: Your life belongs to you. No one has the right to define your choices. Instead of living in fear, ask yourself: What would I tell my best friend if she were in the same situation? Often, we encourage others more than we encourage ourselves.
3. “I Must Be Perfect” – The Perfectionism Trap
Many women only take action when they are sure they can do everything perfectly. From a young age, girls are taught to be flawless—to excel in school, behave properly, and avoid mistakes. Because of this, they only take steps that feel completely safe and justified. They spend too much time in the "preparation" phase, which often delays their success. Some even give up altogether if they don’t see the possibility of an ideal outcome.
How to overcome it?
Perfection is a myth. As Sheryl Sandberg wrote in Lean In: "Done is better than perfect." Don’t wait for the perfect moment—start today!
4. The Inner Critic: “I’m Not Good Enough”
Many women struggle with an inner voice that tells them they aren’t smart enough, talented enough, beautiful enough, or successful enough. This harsh self-criticism stems from rigid social and family expectations. As a result, women often fail to recognize their own achievements, believing that their success is just luck or completely undeserved.
How to overcome it?
Listen to your inner critic: Is that voice really yours? Consider whether this belief comes from someone else. How successful was that person in their own career or life? Take a moment to acknowledge your achievements and appreciate the results.
5. “I Have to Do It All” – Constant Overload
Many women try to juggle everything at once—being successful in their careers, caring for their children, being perfect wives, and maintaining an active social life.
Society still expects women to handle all roles alone. A successful woman who dedicates herself to her career or business is often labeled “cold” and “incomplete,” while a woman focused on her family is considered “unfulfilled” or “less interesting.” To break free from these stereotypes, women push themselves to succeed in every area, leading to chronic stress and emotional burnout.
How to overcome it?
You can’t do everything—and that’s okay. Set priorities, share responsibilities, and learn to say "no."
6. “Sorry for Existing” – Excessive Modesty
Many women feel uncomfortable talking about their successes, fearing they will come across as arrogant.
This stems from childhood upbringing: girls are taught that self-love is “selfishness” and confidence is “excessive ambition.” Many are also led to believe that a woman should not be more successful than a man, as this could disrupt family harmony or create problems at work.
How to overcome it?
Modesty is a great quality, but confidence is not arrogance. Confidence means believing in yourself and trusting your own abilities. Talking about your achievements is not something to be ashamed of—your experience can inspire others!
7. “A Successful Woman Is a Lonely Woman”
This is one of the most persistent stereotypes, pushing women to suppress their ambitions for the sake of “keeping” a personal life. Despite social progress, the myth still exists that an “overly independent” woman is difficult in relationships and doomed to be alone.
How to overcome it?
First, understand that framing the issue as “career or family” is fundamentally wrong. This mindset forces women to choose between self-fulfillment and the well-being of their loved ones. In reality, true happiness comes from having both—being yourself and having people you love by your side.
Second, remember that only a free person can make a true choice. Independent women are more likely to choose a partner they genuinely want to be with rather than someone they need for security, status, or other external reasons.
We, Women
And finally, happy International Women’s Day!
I wish you to always remember:
We, women
Are no longer silent!
No longer feel "not good enough"!
No longer apologize for being who we are!
We, women
Choose our own path.
Trust our own voice.
Break down barriers.
We, women, are a powerful force for good, well-being, and equality!
