Evolving narratives on gender and self-perception

Transforming Entrepreneurship: The Strategic Paths of Kazakhstani Women Entrepreneurs with Nurlykhan Aljanova and Wojdan Omran In a world where gender norms often dictate roles and expectations, Kazakhstani women entrepreneurs in male-dominated sectors are crafting their unique narratives and reshaping the entrepreneurial landscape. Their journey isn’t just about survival in a tough environment but about thriving and transforming societal norms through strategic engagement with gender dynamics. Performing Entrepreneurial Masculinity Many of the women we interviewed have mastered the art of navigating male-dominated industries by adopting what we've termed "performing entrepreneurial masculinity." This involves a spectrum of strategies tailored to integrate seamlessly into these environments: Proxy Alignment as Strategic Agency to forge strategic alliances with male counterparts, gaining access to critical resources and networks. This maneuver is far from a passive reliance; it's a calculated move to harness societal biases in their favor. Strategic Concealment is where women entrepreneurs may mask their femininity or downplay their achievements to align with masculinized business norms. Adaptive imitation sees women adopting and amplifying masculine behaviors—assertiveness, competitiveness, and authority—to establish credibility and respect within their sectors. Performing Entrepreneurial Femininity Conversely, many women also draw on their inherently feminine traits to carve out successful niches: Empathetic Leadership: Utilizing a leadership style that emphasizes empathy, understanding, and emotional intelligence, women entrepreneurs foster environments of support and collaboration. Strategic Self-Presentation: Through strategic self-presentation, women entrepreneurs use their femininity as a strength, challenging conventional norms and introducing new, innovative perspectives to their industries. Calculated Disruption In what could be seen as a masterstroke of strategic acumen, some entrepreneurs employ calculated disruption—a nuanced balance of challenging and conforming to traditional gender roles. This strategy involves recognizing moments when it’s beneficial to assert a distinct, often feminine, perspective that challenges the status quo, or when it’s more strategic to align with traditional expectations to advance their business goals. Coming Full Circle: Transforming Entrepreneurship and Societal Norms The culmination of these strategies leads to a transformative impact on both entrepreneurship and societal norms. As these women entrepreneurs expand their skills, grow in confidence, and increase their societal influence, they effectively reshape the gender dynamics within entrepreneurship. Their journey reflects a loop of growth, challenge, and empowerment that not only benefits their individual ventures but also has the potential to inspire and facilitate change for the wider community.

The journey of self-discovery and acceptance is profoundly personal, especially for those of us in the LGBTQIA+ community. Traditionally, we have referred to this moment as "coming out." For years I've heard some folx call it "inviting in" versus "coming out." And I for one am here for it. I've started using this terminology as I feel it is a more #inclusive approach. This shift signifies not only a change in language but a change in #perspective, emphasizing that WE are the gatekeepers of our #identities and deserve the power to choose who WE allow into our lives. Language shapes the way we perceive ourselves and others. "Coming out" implies a one-sided revelation, where each of us discloses our #identity, often in anticipation of #judgment or #acceptance. Conversely, "inviting in" puts the focus on our #autonomy in determining who is worthy of being part of our #authentic self-expression. Every person has the right to exist authentically. This fundamental #HumanRight should not be conditional upon the approval of others. Shifting from "coming out" to "inviting in" reinforces that our identities are not up for debate, and WE have the power to choose whom we allow into our innermost circle. By adopting the language of "inviting in," we acknowledge that #relationships are a two-way street. It encourages a reciprocal process where both parties engage in understanding, acceptance, and mutual respect. This change in perspective empowers US to set boundaries, demand respect, and surround ourselves with people who genuinely appreciate and validate our identities. Our community is incredibly #diverse, encompassing a wide range of #identities, #experiences, and #perspectives. Shifting towards "letting in" acknowledges this diversity and respects the unique journeys of each person. It invites open dialogue and understanding rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all narrative of "coming out." The change from "coming out" to "inviting in" also calls upon our #allies to actively create #inclusive spaces. It encourages them to #educate themselves about our experiences and challenges and to be proactive in dismantling harmful #stereotypes and #biases. In adopting this terminology, we affirm that our identities are valid and worthy of respect. This shift in language empowers US to take control of our narratives, asserting our right to exist authentically and choose whom we welcome into our lives. It's a call to action for the LGBTQIA+ community and our allies to foster a more inclusive, understanding, and respectful world for all. Together, we can create spaces where everyone feels valued, seen, and accepted for exactly who they are. Of course, my intent is not to force this on anyone. I believe each person gets to decide for themselves. Whether someone chooses to "come out" or "invite in," it's important that each person does what's right for them. #LGBTQIA #GenderIdentity #SexualOrientation

In a world that often defines beauty by narrow standards, it's crucial to pause and question the status quo. Women's empowerment goes beyond breaking glass ceilings; it involves challenging stereotypes and embracing authenticity in all its forms. As we navigate the complexities of societal expectations, it becomes evident that redefining beauty is not just a personal journey but a collective revolution. Historically, women have been subjected to unrealistic beauty standards that perpetuate harmful stereotypes. These standards not only affect self-esteem but also create a toxic environment where conformity is valued over individuality. The time has come to challenge these norms and celebrate the uniqueness that each woman brings to the table. Empowerment begins with self-love and acceptance. It's about acknowledging that beauty is diverse and cannot be confined to a singular mould. True empowerment lies in embracing our authentic selves, flaws and all. When we reject the notion that beauty is one-size-fits-all, we pave the way for a more inclusive and compassionate world. Society's perception of beauty has evolved over time, but there is still work to be done. It's encouraging to witness a growing movement that advocates for body positivity, inclusivity, and representation. Platforms and campaigns dedicated to showcasing women of all shapes, sizes, colors, and abilities are challenging the traditional narrative and inspiring others to do the same. As we redefine beauty, it's essential to recognize the power of diverse role models. When women from various backgrounds and experiences are celebrated, it sends a powerful message that beauty knows no bounds. From athletes breaking records to entrepreneurs shattering glass ceilings, each success story adds a layer to the narrative of empowerment. Furthermore, the media plays a significant role in shaping societal norms. It's time for the industry to move away from perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards and instead focus on portraying authentic and relatable stories. By showcasing women authentically – with their strengths, vulnerabilities, and imperfections – the media can become a powerful force in redefining beauty for the better. Education is another key aspect of this paradigm shift. Empowering young girls with the understanding that their worth is not determined by appearance fosters a generation of confident and self-assured women. Schools and communities must work together to instill values that celebrate diversity and individuality, fostering an environment where everyone feels seen and accepted. As we embrace the diversity of women's experiences and redefine beauty standards, we contribute to a society where every woman feels empowered to be her authentic self. Together, let's continue to challenge norms, break down barriers, and build a future where authenticity is not only celebrated but also cherished.

Navigating the Dual Spectrum: Embracing Masculinity at Work and Femininity at Home We women often find ourselves balancing contrasting roles and identities. The struggle to maintain a masculine professional demeanor for nine hours a day while returning to a feminine self at home can seem daunting. This dual identity challenge is deeply rooted in societal expectations, gender norms, and the evolving landscape of workplace dynamics. Understanding the Dichotomy The workplace, especially in traditionally male-dominated fields, often demands traits stereotypically associated with masculinity: assertiveness, competitiveness, and decisiveness. Women in these arenas might feel pressured to adopt these characteristics to be taken seriously, climb the corporate ladder, or shatter the proverbial glass ceiling. At home, however, the societal narrative often flips, with expectations for women to embody more traditionally feminine traits such as empathy, nurturing, and warmth. This stark dichotomy can lead not only to internal conflict but also to a sense of living a double life. The reality of these expectations paints a picture of bigotry in itself, where women are boxed into two personas based on environment. The Psychological Impact Juggling these two personas day in and day out can lead to psychological stress, burnout, and identity confusion. Women may often feel they are constantly switching masks, which can be exhausting and erode self-esteem. Navigating This High-Wire Act 1. Self-Awareness and Acceptance Understanding and accepting that it’s okay to embody both masculine and feminine traits can be liberating. Women should embrace the spectrum of characteristics that make them unique, rather than seeing them as conflicting forces. 2. Setting Boundaries Clearly define when and where different traits are needed. This could mean setting boundaries at work to incorporate more of one's natural self, or establishing time to decompress before transitioning to home life. 3. Cultivating Authenticity: Strive to integrate facets of both identities throughout the day rather than compartmentalizing them. Bringing empathy into the workplace, or assertiveness into personal life, can create a more cohesive sense of self. Ultimately, bridging the gap between professional masculinity and domestic femininity requires a cultural shift as much as it does personal strategies. As this dialogue continues to grow, women can continue to thrive in both spheres by honoring their authentic selves and advocating for inclusive environments that embrace the dynamic range of human identity. #Balance #Feminity #Energies

Male beauty standards are undergoing a strange transformation — one shaped less by female desire and more by intra-male approval and a growing backlash against femininity. On TikTok, some boys are now shaving their eyelashes to avoid looking “girly,” joining a suite of hypermasculine trends like jawline-sculpting exercises, hair transplants, and gym obsession. These shifts mirror the rise of the manosphere and incel-adjacent ideologies, which celebrate physical extremes and reject anything associated with women — often aggressively so. We don’t know how many boys are truly shaving off their eyelashes or doing tongue workouts to sculpt their jaws. But their visibility — online and in discourse — signals a shift in what masculinity looks like, and for whom it’s being performed. These aren’t beauty standards shaped by attraction; they’re shaped by competition and control. And rather than offering men freedom from expectations, they’re creating new, confusing ones. Social media accelerates this loop. TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram circulate a relentless stream of fitness challenges, body transformations, and “discipline” routines. Even the most extreme body modifications are rationalized as self-love — yet just a few clicks away sit gymcels, incels, and male separatists advocating for total rejection of women. What looks like empowerment often carries a misogynist undercurrent: build yourself up, but only to reject and outperform her. Ironically, this has brought many young men to the same place women have long occupied — trapped by impossible ideals, obsessed with transformation, and isolated in the process. Aesthetic purity replaces emotional presence; jawlines are sculpted, but connection deteriorates. Unlike previous ideals shaped by what might attract women, today’s male standards are increasingly performative: a show of toughness and discipline for other men. This kind of homosocial validation — seeking approval primarily from other men — subtly shifts the focus away from heterosexual desire altogether. Ironically, in their quest to appear hypermasculine, some men are orienting their bodies around the gaze of other men, not women, destabilizing the very heterosexual norms they claim to defend. #CrisisOfHeterosexuality #Manosphere #Hypermasculinity #GenderNorms #BodyDysmorphia #TikTokTrends #BeautyStandards #MaleBodyImage #IncelCulture #Gymcel #ToxicMasculinity #Homosociality #MaleGazeRedefined https://lnkd.in/es5CSTwq

A short story about perception 😊 Growing up in Samoa, boxing was a sport for men. I was taught and raised that some sports are for boys and some are for girls. Netball was a sport for girls.🏀Rugby was the sport for boys. 🏉 I was perceived as a typical girl doing “girly” stuff. Define that in your own words and look back in the early 80s perhaps? … 😘. ”Fia aulelei” is a saying in Samoan meaning ”Wanna be pretty”. We use it as a joke teasing each other. Even today it goes for both the young and the old. Back then, it was the norm for the typical girl doing girly stuff like me. Hearing this as a child left some poison in me. First it was funny then... In my mind wanting to be pretty was a bad thing. I admired the aunties who put on lipstick in the morning before they went to work. I wanted to look pretty like them. 😊 Who wants to look ugly anyways?🤔 It took me deep and challenging work to reprogram the traces of “fia aulelei” and coming to my own truth - I am “aulelei”. I am beautiful.🤩 A girl doing girly stuff can also do a what so called a “mans-sport”. In other words does it matter you do girl or boy stuff? You do you! I find it exciting that the way I am perceived today by my surroundings is not so different. One too many times when I share that I do boxing🥊, people give me the “no way” look 😂. C’mon it’s Sweden, you can do just about any sport regardless of your gender. They start to look up and down, scanning my body, my stance for traces which I believe, muscles. Then came that surprise response with a smile.. really, you don’t look like someone doing sports😂. And you look like someone doing sports? 😊 My point is some things you were taught while growing up are no longer relevant nor benefit you anymore. You have the power to change them all. 💪 Would you allow yourself to change them and let your true self come out? #unleashyourpower #boxing #selfleadership #healing #empowerment #mentaltraining #mindset #jämställdhet #gender