From society's 'Shoulds' to a woman's 'Coulds': Dismantling the glorification of self-sacrifice

The answer to why we struggle to extend the same care and encouragement to ourselves that we readily give to others lies, in part, in our own self-perception and the knotty issue of glorification of self-sacrifice.

- DR. SUPREET GILL

"We say to girls, you can have ambition, but not too much. You should aim to be successful, but not too successful. Otherwise, you would threaten the man." This poignant statement by acclaimed author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie cuts to the heart of a pervasive issue in societies worldwide: the glorification of self-sacrifice in women. Society celebrates these acts of self-sacrifice as the pinnacle of womanhood, but at what cost? This cultural expectation, while often disguised as virtue, carries a hefty price tag for women's personal growth, ambition, and overall well-being. This issue is deeply intertwined with a woman's selfperception and sense of self-worth. The stark reality is that women often treat others far better than they treat themselves. Despite the countless affirmations from glamorous celebrities on television, proclaiming with flair that "we're worth it!", the message fails to truly resonate. Deep down, many women struggle to genuinely believe in their own value and worthiness. This disconnect between external messages of empowerment and internal feelings of inadequacy further complicates the cycle of self-sacrifice, making it challenging for women to prioritize their own needs and aspirations.