Why do we feel like FRAUDS?

Women are experiencing a crisis of self-doubt, with a staggering 90% of us suffering ‘imposter syndrome’

- EMMA ROSSITER

Our fight for equality – in the work place, at home and in society – is ongoing. But it turns out we’re not just struggling against historical patriarchy and ingrained gender discrimination, but our own internal self-doubt.

Recent figures show nine out of 10 women admit suffering ‘imposter syndrome’ – feelings of inadequacy that persist despite evident success.* Sufferers live in fear of being exposed as frauds by friends and colleagues, believe they don’t deserve their success, and only got their job or achieved anything by dumb luck.

Imposter syndrome isn’t exclusive to women: men experience it, too. But the figures are heavily weighted towards women, with even some of the world’s most successful females – Michelle Obama, for example – admitting they often don’t feel like they belong.

This self-deprecation and lack of confidence can ruin careers, as sufferers bury themselves in tasks and avoid extra responsibility because they’re too afraid of being unmasked as phony. So why are we hard-wired to self-sabotage? And how do we break free of this impostercycle so that we can revel in our successes? Woman investigates.

HOW IT MAKES YOU FEEL

73% don’t feel like they deserve their current success. 24% think one day their boss or colleagues will realise they are under-qualified (despite having experience/qualifications). 37% believe it is only due to luck/chance they have achieved success.*

‘THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS PERFECT’

Jenna Rigby, 33, lives in Pendle with her partner and their children, Zayn, seven, Rayyan, seven, Aneefa, six, Aaila, three, and Sal, three.