In a world where patriarchal systems are predominant across various arenas such as faith, culture, business, science, sport, education, and academia, the impacts of these biases are deeply felt by women, especially those belonging to minority groups. These groups include minorities based on skin colour, age, disability, race, faith, language, or culture. For decades, I, like many others, was part of a conservative Christian tradition that urged women to adhere to a subservient role — to sit down, keep quiet, play small, not question, and accept the status quo. This experience reflects a broader societal narrative where patriarchal systems, favouring men, have deep roots, and women, conditioned by these biases, often struggle to recognise and challenge them.

The journey of women through these patriarchal landscapes is complex. Generations of messaging to "sit down, be quiet, and play small" have led many women to disconnect from their inherent power, fostering a trust deficit in their ability to wield this power effectively. Deep down, women know they are powerful, which paradoxically leads to a sense of shame, mostly unacknowledged. This shame stems from the realisation of allowing patriarchal biases, perpetuated both by men and women, to continue diminishing their connection to their power. Shame acts as a reminder of an internal boundary or a broken internal code, making women feel ashamed for having let their power slip away. This code may not be helpful, as it can be built on the foundation of patriarchal biases that do not really serve anyone. Additionally, women who openly breach the accepted codes often face shame from other women who adhere strictly to gender biases and norms.

However, there is a transformative potential in recognising and confronting this shame. Rather than letting it drive them into hiding, women can use it as a beacon to identify and confront the biases in their own lives. These biases, often disguised as thoughts like "I'm too old," "I'm too young," "I lack the skills," or "I've been out of the workforce for too long," can be acknowledged and owned. Recognising these biases allows women to decide whether to continue letting them shape their lives and futures. When shame is used to illuminate our biases, women can reconnect with their power, becoming the superheroes of their own lives.

This process of reconnection is not just about personal power but also about challenging and reshaping the societal norms that have long perpetuated gender inequalities. It's about acknowledging that while patriarchal systems have been the norm for millennia, they are not set in stone.

Women, by embracing their power and confronting internal and external biases, play a crucial role in building a more equitable and inclusive world.

The journey from recognising the impact of patriarchy to reclaiming one's power is both deeply personal and profoundly collective. It requires introspection, courage, and the willingness to challenge long-standing norms. It's about women supporting each other in breaking the chains of traditional gender roles and biases, and collectively moving towards a society where equality is not just an ideal, but a lived reality. In so doing, they pave the way for future generations to live in a world less constrained by patriarchal norms.