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18 April 2025

Gifted women: a unique journey of opportunities and challenges

Gifted women: a unique journey of opportunities and challenges

Gifted women: a unique journey of opportunities and challenges

Giftedness presents unique opportunities and challenges for women. While many gifted women excel in academic and professional settings, they often face both external and internal barriers that can impact their potential. This article sheds light on the specific dynamics of giftedness in women and offers insights and tips for self-development and empowerment.

Self-perception and intelligence: male hubris, female humility

Research shows that women often underestimate their intelligence, while men tend to overestimate theirs. This phenomenon, known as the "male hubris, female humility" effect, stems from a combination of cultural expectations and personal insecurities (Reilly et al., 2022). While men are more likely to overestimate their abilities and take on new challenges, women often undervalue themselves, which can limit their motivation and career choices. This pattern underscores the importance of fostering a strong self-concept and actively challenging stereotypical notions about gender and intelligence.

External barriers: societal expectations and stereotyping

Gifted women often face external barriers that hinder the development of their talents. These obstacles are deeply rooted in societal expectations and traditional gender roles. Research indicates that women are less encouraged to pursue fields like STEM, technology, or leadership roles, despite their abilities (Reis, 2020a). This is further reinforced by stereotypes that view men as better suited for competitive and technical environments, while women are often perceived as nurturing and supportive.

This not only limits the choices women make but also directly impacts the opportunities available to them. In professional settings, women often receive less visible projects, lower salaries, and fewer opportunities to advance into influential roles. For gifted women, this can be especially frustrating as their talents and potential remain underutilized. This often results in underrepresentation in key areas such as scientific research, business, and politics—fields where they could otherwise make a significant impact.

The impact of these external barriers on the talent development of gifted women is profound. When they are systematically denied opportunities to thrive, it can lead to diminished motivation and a sense of futility. In some cases, women may choose to withdraw entirely from competitive or challenging environments, leaving their potential unrealized. This underscores the urgent need for more inclusive practices in education and the workplace—practices that not only recognize women’s talent but also actively create space for their growth and development.

Internal barriers: perfectionism and imposter phenomenon

In addition to external obstacles, gifted women often face internal barriers that impact their talent development. Two common challenges are perfectionism and the imposter phenomenon. While perfectionism can be a strength, it becomes paralyzing when maladaptive. We’ve addressed this in a previous blog article. Maladaptive perfectionism is characterized by an obsessive focus on avoiding mistakes and a fear of failing to meet unrealistically high standards (Reis, 2020b). For gifted women, this can lead to procrastination, stress, and even burnout. They may feel overwhelmed by the expectation to always excel, limiting their willingness to take risks or seize new opportunities.

The imposter phenomenon further amplifies these feelings. This phenomenon, where individuals feel their success is due to luck or deception rather than their own abilities, is notably common among gifted women, according to Reis (2020b). Despite objective successes, they doubt their competence and fear being “exposed” as not capable enough. This internal conflict often leads women to undervalue themselves and avoid opportunities that could help them grow.

These internal barriers deeply affect the talent development of gifted women. They not only limit how women utilize their abilities but also undermine their confidence and motivation to embrace challenges. This can result in stagnation in both their personal and professional growth, even when they possess exceptional talents. It highlights the importance of self-awareness, emotional resilience, and breaking negative patterns, enabling gifted women to overcome these barriers and thrive in a world that needs their potential.

The power of support and role models

Support and role models play a crucial role in unlocking the potential of gifted women. Positive role models in family, school, or professional settings can be incredibly inspiring, demonstrating what is possible. For gifted women who doubt their abilities or feel constrained by external barriers, a role model can serve not only as an example but also as a source of encouragement and guidance. This might range from a teacher who recognizes and nurtures talent to a mentor offering practical advice on navigating a career.

In addition to role models, a supportive network of friends, colleagues, and family is essential. For gifted women striving for personal and professional growth, having a supportive partner can be especially valuable. A supportive partner understands her ambitions, encourages her to pursue her goals, and provides both practical and emotional support. This might include sharing household responsibilities, contributing to strategic decisions about work or study, and creating a safe space where she can express her ideas and concerns.

Such support is particularly crucial during challenging times, such as balancing work, family, and personal ambitions. Gifted women often face increased pressure to excel both professionally and personally. A partner who not only recognizes her abilities but also actively helps create space for her development can significantly impact how she manages this pressure.

Furthermore, a supportive network helps women build resilience and navigate the complex challenges associated with giftedness. By fostering relationships rooted in mutual understanding and respect, gifted women can fully realize their potential. This combination of inspiring role models and a strong supportive environment paves the way for both personal and professional flourishing.

Tips for gifted women

  • Recognize your own value: Reflect on your achievements and acknowledge your skills. Remind yourself that your successes are the result of your abilities and efforts.

  • Break free from perfectionism: Aim for excellence, not perfection. Allow yourself to make mistakes and learn from them.

  • Seek role models: Surround yourself with inspiring people who can support and guide you in your personal and professional growth.

  • Create balance: Strive for harmony between work, family, and personal ambitions. Prioritize your own goals without feeling guilty.

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Professional coaching or mentoring can help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals.

Conclusion

Gifted women face unique challenges, but they also have exceptional opportunities. By recognizing the barriers and taking active steps toward self-development, they can not only unlock their potential but also make a powerful impact on those around them.


References


Copyright © 2025 Dr. Sabine Sypré – All rights reserved. No part of this article may be reproduced in any form or by any means, whether electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission from the author. Sharing online is permitted provided the author is credited and a link to this article is included.



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