By Emmanuella Abraham
Let’s talk about something that goes beyond beauty, beyond achievements, beyond the roles society has placed upon us. Let’s talk about worth. It’s a subject so profound yet so often misunderstood. We hear phrases like “know your worth” tossed around in motivational speeches, social media captions, and even advertisements. But what does it truly mean? And more importantly, why does it matter so much for women?
For centuries, society has tried to define it by her beauty, by her achievements, by her ability to nurture. Yet, none of these measures truly capture the essence of a woman’s worth. Why? Because worth isn’t something that can be measured, it’s something that is felt, lived, and expressed through the undeniable power of authenticity.
Let me take you back to 1971 when L’Oréal Paris launched their groundbreaking slogan: “Because You’re Worth It.” At the time, this wasn’t just a marketing campaign, it was a cultural shift. Women were entering the workforce in droves, and this phrase spoke directly to them, telling them they didn’t need permission to claim their space or to prioritize themselves.
Decades later, the question remains: do we, as women, truly believe we’re worth it?
The Hidden Cost of Underestimating Worth
What happens when we don’t recognize our worth?
According to a Cornell University study, women are significantly less likely than men to negotiate for higher pay or promotions, even when equally qualified. And it’s not just in the workplace. In relationships, in friendships, in almost every sphere of life, we tend to over-apologize, overcompensate, and sometimes even shrink ourselves to make others comfortable.
This isn’t just an individual issue; it’s a societal one. The World Economic Forum reports that closing gender gaps in labor force participation could add $28 trillion to the global economy. Imagine the potential we’re leaving on the table when women undervalue themselves.
if you’ve ever found yourself hesitating to ask for a raise, to pitch your big idea, or even leave a toxic relationship, I want you to consider this: the perception you have of yourself directly shapes the trajectory of your life.
Your worth is the foundation of your decisions. It determines the jobs you apply for, the boundaries you set, and even the people you allow into your life. When you see yourself as valuable, you stop settling for less!
Another research found that women who value themselves are more likely to pursue fulfilling careers, advocate for themselves, and experience higher levels of life satisfaction. Think about that for a moment. Your worth isn’t just a nice idea, it’s the foundation for the life you build.
The World’s Most Powerful Women Share a Secret
There’s a woman I once met a brilliant architect who designed some of the most stunning buildings you could imagine. Yet, for years, she refused to call herself “brilliant.” She’d say, “Oh, it’s nothing,” or, “I just got lucky.” It wasn’t until her daughter came home from school one day and said, “Mom, why don’t you believe you’re amazing?” that she stopped to reflect. That moment sparked a journey inward and a realization that her dismissal of her worth wasn’t humility; it was self-doubt. And that doubt wasn’t just limiting her career; it was shaping how her daughter saw herself.
What she didn’t realize was this: when we undervalue ourselves, we teach the people around us to do the same.
Think about women like Malala Yousafzai, Oprah Winfrey, or Michelle Obama. Their stories are vastly different, but they share one thing in common: they own their worth.
Take Oprah, for example. Born into poverty in rural Mississippi, she faced challenges that would have broken most people. Yet, she often says, “You get in life what you have the courage to ask for.”
Her courage to ask for more, to demand more from life was rooted in the belief of her value. And that belief didn’t just elevate her; it created opportunities for countless others.
Finding Your Worth
But let’s not sugarcoat it, getting there isn’t easy. Society has spent centuries telling women what they should be, how they should act, and what they’re worth. Breaking free from those narratives takes intentional work.
So, how do we get there? How do we, as women, step into our worth unapologetically?
- Reframe Your Narrative:
Psychologists suggest that self-talk shapes our reality. Replace
thoughts like, “I’m not enough” with, “I’m learning and growing.” - Ask the Hard Questions:
Instead of focusing on external validation, ask yourself:
What do I value most in life?
Am I living in alignment with those values?
What am I afraid of showing the world?
What does a life that honors my worth look like?
What is one area where I’ve been settling for less than I
deserve?
How can I show up for myself more intentionally this year? - Celebrate the Small Wins:
Acknowledge your progress. Studies show that acknowledging
even small accomplishments can boost self-esteem and
motivation. - Surround Yourself with Believers:
You deserve to be around people who see your worth and remind
you of it on the days you forget. As the saying goes, “You are the
average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
A Collective Call
In line with Raising Women Initiative 2025 Agenda “The Woman: Her Worth, Wealth and Wellbeing”, I believe that the agenda is what the world needs as we step into this new year. Why? Because far too many women are being drawn into narratives crafted by social media, societal pressures, and unrealistic expectations. These narratives often distort what a woman’s worth truly means, leaving many feeling inadequate, unseen, or chasing an ideal that isn’t even their own.
As we embrace 2025, it is important for every woman to take this journey with RWI: a journey of self-discovery, of asking the tough questions, and of building a life aligned with your true values and essence. Because when women know their worth, they don’t just transform their own lives, they transform the world.
