There are so many things women do on a daily basis that are expected of them and seen as no big deal, meaning we get zero recognition.
However, these little contributions to the lives of the people around us and the world as a whole are anything but insignificant. Women juggle so many roles, manage lots of expectations, and power through challenges in ways that deserve far more praise than we get. Here are just a few of the overlooked things we absolutely deserve more credit for.
1. Managing the mental load of daily life
We all know the feeling — trying to remember everything at once. From coordinating appointments and remembering birthdays to keeping track of household chores, the mental load we carry often goes unseen. We’re the ones mentally mapping out the day, thinking ahead, and making sure everything gets done. The constant planning and organising can be draining, but somehow we do it without skipping a beat. That mental energy we put in is just as valuable as the physical tasks we take on.
2. Putting on a brave face when we’re exhausted
Even on the days when we’re absolutely drained, we still show up. Whether we’re taking care of kids, managing a full workload, or just trying to get through a rough patch, we push through because that’s what we do. We somehow make it look easy, even though we may be running on empty. It’s exhausting, but we power through with resilience and strength, often without anyone knowing just how tired we really are.
3. Supporting everyone else while juggling our own problems
We’re often the first to step up when someone needs help, whether it’s offering a listening ear, giving advice, or being a shoulder to cry on. However, while we’re supporting everyone else, we’re often dealing with our own challenges. We have our own issues to work through, but we make space for the people we care about, finding a balance that isn’t always easy to maintain. That ability to multitask our own struggles while holding space for other people is something that truly deserves recognition.
4. Navigating the pressure to look “put together”
There’s this constant, unspoken pressure to look polished, even when everything else feels like it’s falling apart. From making sure our hair’s in place to choosing the right outfit, we often put in extra effort to present ourselves confidently. And while there’s nothing wrong with wanting to look good, it can be exhausting to feel like we need to constantly maintain that appearance for the people around us. Still, we do it — because it’s expected, and we somehow manage to look like we have it all under control.
5. Multitasking like it’s a competitive sport
Women are experts at multitasking, sometimes without even realising it. We move between tasks seamlessly: answering emails, making dinner, managing family life, and squeezing in a quick chat with a friend. It’s like we’re always on the go, checking off one thing after another. The juggling act is impressive, but it often goes unnoticed. We manage everything without dropping the ball, but it’s a lot, and it takes a lot of energy to do it all.
6. Handling unsolicited advice with grace
We all know the feeling of being on the receiving end of unsolicited advice. Whether it’s about our parenting choices, career decisions, or personal lives, people always seem to have something to say. But despite the never-ending advice — often unwanted — we smile, nod, and carry on, even when it’s frustrating. The grace with which we handle this situation, without snapping back or getting defensive, is a skill in itself that deserves a little more acknowledgment.
7. Standing up for ourselves even when it’s uncomfortable
It’s tough to speak up, especially when it feels like it might be uncomfortable. But we do it, whether it’s asking for what we deserve at work, setting personal boundaries, or calling out behaviour that doesn’t sit right. We push through the discomfort and stand firm because we know that standing up for ourselves is crucial. And even though it feels risky, the courage to speak up, even when it’s hard, should never go unnoticed.
8. Dealing with pain while carrying on as usual
Whether it’s physical pain like cramps or migraines, or the emotional toll of tough situations, we often power through while carrying on with our responsibilities. We work, care for other people, and meet deadlines, all while silently dealing with discomfort. That ability to keep going, even when we really shouldn’t have to, is something that should be recognised more often.
9. Making everyone feel celebrated
We’re the ones who remember birthdays, plan surprise parties, and make sure milestones are acknowledged. We put in the effort to make the people around us feel special and appreciated. Whether it’s through a thoughtful gesture or just remembering what matters to someone, we make an effort to celebrate the people around us. The energy we put into making people feel loved and valued should be appreciated just as much.
10. Balancing ambition with expectations
We’re constantly balancing our own goals and dreams with the expectations placed on us by society, family, or even ourselves. Whether we’re climbing the career ladder or pursuing personal ambitions, there’s often an unspoken pressure to “do it all” — and do it well. The resilience we show in maintaining this balance, while still chasing our dreams and supporting the people around us, deserves more credit than it gets.
11. Staying calm in moments of chaos
When things go haywire, whether it’s a work crisis or a family emergency, we’re often the ones who step in and keep it all together. Our ability to stay composed, even in the most chaotic moments, is what allows everyone else to feel calm and secure. It’s a skill that goes unnoticed in the hustle of daily life, but it’s one that’s absolutely essential.
12. Managing to stay kind in a world that tests us
Despite the rudeness, frustration, and challenges we face, we often choose to stay kind. Whether it’s a smile to a stranger, a patient response to a rude comment, or simply offering a hand when someone’s in need, our ability to remain kind in a world that often tests us is something that makes a difference. It’s quiet strength that helps make the world a better place, and it deserves recognition.
13. Constantly advocating for other people
We are often the ones who stand up for our friends, family, and colleagues, whether it’s advocating for fairness or defending them in tough situations. The instinct to protect and support people, to make sure their voices are heard, is a quality that deserves more acknowledgment. We’re often fighting battles that aren’t ours to fight, simply because we care about the people around us.
14. Keeping relationships alive with consistent effort
Maintaining friendships, family relationships, and work connections takes work, and we’re the ones who often put in the most effort. Whether it’s reaching out to check in, planning a catch-up, or simply staying in touch, the effort we put into nurturing relationships is something that deserves more recognition. These connections don’t just happen; they’re built with intention and care.
