Why Women Experience Imposter Syndrome More Often—And How Gender Stereotypes Shape Self-Doubt

"I know I’ve worked hard for this role. I have the degrees, the experience, the credentials… but I still feel like any day now, someone’s going to realize I don’t really belong here."

I’ve heard this countless times from highly accomplished women—executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders in their industries. Women who have built impressive careers, shattered barriers, and yet… still struggle to believe they truly deserve their success.

If you’ve ever felt like your achievements are due to luck, timing, or other people overestimating your abilities, you’re not alone.

This is imposter syndrome—the persistent belief that you’re not as competent as others perceive you to be, despite clear evidence of your success. While anyone can experience imposter syndrome, research shows that women experience it more frequently than men—especially in leadership roles, STEM fields, and other male-dominated industries.

But why?

What is it about women’s experiences—both in society and in the workplace—that makes imposter syndrome so common?

One of the culprits? Gender stereotypes.

How Gender Stereotypes Shape Self-Doubt

Imposter syndrome is often framed as a personal issue—as if it’s simply a lack of confidence or a mindset problem that women need to “fix.” But in reality, imposter feelings are deeply shaped by external forces, starting with how society conditions women from an early age.

1. Women Are Taught to Be Modest, While Men Are Encouraged to Be Confident

From childhood, boys and girls receive very different messages about their abilities and worth.

• Boys are encouraged to take risks, compete, and be assertive. They are told to “go for it,” even when they aren’t fully prepared.

• Girls, on the other hand, are taught to be humble, polite, and risk-averse. They receive praise for being “good students,” “hard workers,” and “team players”—rather than for their raw skills or leadership potential.

This messaging continues into adulthood. Studies show that women are more likely to attribute their success to external factors (luck, help from others) rather than their own competence, while men more often credit their own abilities and effort.

When women internalize the belief that they must always prove their worth—but never appear too confident—it creates the perfect breeding ground for imposter syndrome.

2. The “Likeability vs. Competence” Paradox

Women in leadership often face the double bind:

• If they project confidence and assertiveness, they may be perceived as “bossy,” “cold,” or “unlikable.”

• If they downplay their success or hesitate to speak up, they may be seen as lacking leadership potential.

This creates a no-win situation. Women may feel like they need to walk a fine line—avoiding confidence that could be seen as arrogance, but also trying not to appear too unsure of themselves. Over time, this constant self-monitoring and pressure to "get it right" can lead to persistent self-doubt and imposter syndrome.

3. The Perfectionism Trap: Why Women Feel They Must Be Over-Prepared

Have you ever hesitated to apply for a job because you didn’t meet 100% of the qualifications?

Studies show that:

• Men apply for jobs when they meet about 60% of the qualifications.

• Women, on the other hand, feel they need to meet 100% before they even try.

Why? Because many women have been conditioned to believe they must be "perfect" to be worthy of success.

This mindset leads to self-imposed pressure to always be fully prepared, highly credentialed, and beyond reproach—which, ironically, can fuel imposter syndrome. If you believe you must know everything before stepping into an opportunity, you’ll always feel just short of "good enough."

How to Challenge These Patterns & Build Confidence

Recognizing how gender stereotypes shape self-doubt is the first step toward breaking free from imposter syndrome. Here are a few ways to start shifting your mindset:

1. Reframe Your Definition of Confidence

Instead of thinking, "I don’t know enough to do this," try:

✅ "I am capable of learning as I go."

✅ "I don’t need to be perfect—just prepared enough to take the next step."

Many successful leaders figure things out along the way—and so can you.

2. Own Your Achievements Without Apology

Stop downplaying your success with phrases like:

❌ “I was just lucky.”

❌“I had a great team.”

❌ “I don’t know why they picked me.”

Instead, practice owning your wins with statements like:

✅ “I worked hard for this, and I’m proud of it.”

✅ “I had a great team, and I also brought strong leadership.”

✅ “They picked me because I bring value.”

3. Apply for Opportunities Before You Feel 100% Ready

If you wait until you feel fully qualified, you’ll never make the leap. Challenge yourself to apply for jobs, promotions, and leadership roles before you feel completely "ready"—just like men do.

What’s Next?

Imposter syndrome is not a personal failing—it’s a conditioned response to societal expectations, workplace biases, and internalized self-doubt.

By understanding how gender stereotypes shape our confidence, we can start to unlearn the habits that fuel imposter syndrome and step into our success with greater self-assurance.

But gender stereotypes aren’t the only reason women struggle with imposter syndrome. In the next article, we’ll explore another major factor: the workplace confidence gap—and why women often hesitate to self-promote, negotiate, and advocate for themselves.

Stay tuned!

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