How often do you compare yourself to other women (in the magazines, in your society, at university or workplace)? Are you able to be kind and sweet to those whom you do not quite like? What is the reason behind not liking another woman? Does it have the capacity to grow into competition or envy? 

Girls are taught to excel at everything, and if they fail, whether it is not meeting the beauty standard accepted by the majority, or simply not getting an A in a math exam, they are constantly under pressure to fulfill the expectations. 

I think the very core of female self-esteem starts in the childhood. 

The words your parents told you while you were growing up, the things you were allowed and not allowed to do, the way your mom and dad discussed sensitive, and at times taboo for many societies, topics. Everyone is a product of their experiences and their outcomes. All of that make up a personality that establishes itself at a certain age. Therefore, it is so crucial to support young girls in the journey of creating their own identity. A girl will only shine as a grown up lady who is fully content with herself based on the roots of the little child inside her.

Whenever I see toxic female competition, I want to ask them: what did you lack when you were a little girl? 

Why won’t we embrace each other as women instead of constantly competing against having the most beautiful face and body, the cutest boyfriend, or the best job? Another woman’s failure or success should never influence your feelings about yourself. When we all learn to celebrate our uniqueness, then we will truly reach female empowerment. If you are into make-up and cliche girly things, you are fine. If you are a tomboy who is uninterested in that, you are fine. If you want to have a good paying job, you are fine. If you want to make an outstanding career, you are fine. Whatever you are, whoever you want to be, wherever you are, the main thing that matters is to be kind to yourself and others. 

To accept the fact that there is no other you is one of the greatest feelings of all. 

It is plain simple: do not compare yourself to others and remember that you are one of a kind. The rest will fall into its place when the timing’s right. Regardless of your age, race, orientation, social status or belief, wait for your sparkling moment. There is nothing stronger than being aware that only you manage your identity.