In recent days, I’ve had to face a harsh reality: I find myself being part of a group facing multiple layers of discrimination.
I am:
a woman,
over 50,
with a "migration background"
and on top of that also "overqualified."
This combination is definitely not very sexy on the job market. Moreover, it’s a major taboo, and very few people talk about it openly. That prompt me to write about it.
Recently, I attended a lecture titled Empowering women,
An Austrian actress in her 50s gave a highly inspiring talk. I learned a lot about the differences between men and women in society. Thankfully, she spoke with humor, otherwise it would have been quite sad.
It’s already well-known that women, on average, earn 20% less than men. But learning that women might receive pensions up to 50% lower than men due to this pay gap and time spent caring for children shocked me.
I also learned that in Germany, there are more men named Thomas in leadership positions than there are women in leadership roles overall.
Women face massive discrimination, and the sad truth is that it doesn’t only come from men—it also comes from women.
A common stereotype claims that women have historically stayed home, cooked, and occasionally gathered herbs and fruits. However, recent DNA research shows that many prehistoric women were huntresses.
So, who are we as women and what is our role?
For years, I held a managerial position, and it’s true that women in leadership roles were very few. I had to work hard to secure my position and often needed to be braver and more determined than others. I had to constantly prove myself. Today, I realize this was not very healthy, and eventually, I stepped out.
But the fight isn’t over. “Youth is behind and retirement is still far away.” I need to keep proving myself in the job market and in the business world.
Or is there another way?
What is the path for a woman? Can we step out of the matrix—the cycle of expectations, societal pressures, and the pressures we place on ourselves? How do we align the expectations with our own needs? And how should we navigate relationships with men?
I don't have the right answer. For now, I am choosing my own path. I take a deep breath and write about it. I don’t want to stubbornly fight the system, but I also don’t want to give up. The determination and strength within me are directed toward improving life for women. Currently, this is through yoga and guidance. Empowering women to stand up for themselves.
This isn’t a battle against men. I dream of finding a way for everyone to feel good and live in harmony.
Feel free to reach out if you feel we share a common perspective.
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