I've always heard, “Strong-willed little girls grow up to be strong independent women.” However, as I've grown into a woman, I've come to question the validity of this statement.

Through the work of feminist movements over the last 200 years, women have pushed back against suppressive patriarchal systems. Specifically, girls have created the ability to embody the essential attribute of female empowerment: confidence (Quinn). But there is a problem; teenage girls often lose this powerful spirit. This is no different for me.

Confidence is one of five “superpowers” a Young Teen article states are essential for every girl (Borison). The other four are emotional intelligence, resilience, empathy, and kindness. As they mature, women keep these qualities. Yet, there is a shift from girlhood to womanhood that depletes confidence. These qualities converge in a stereotype; women are passive and nurturing, while men are self-driven and confident. This stereotype holds true. A Swiss study has shown that women, on average, have a stronger reward system response to selfless behavior, whereas men respond more to selfish behavior (“Women...”). Men are brought up to value their confidence and ability, while society perpetuates women in the role of provider. This societal conditioning results in different cultural expectations. Eventually, a key superpower is sacrificed to be a polite, young woman.

Luckily, my parents ensured I knew no part of my identity held me back. Raising two daughters in the 2010s, I was consequently influenced by rising internet access and social movements. Seeing a woman nearly become president in 2016 was not just inspiring; it was transcendent. I honed in on this vision. The power of girlhood empowered me to challenge the glass ceiling in each way I approached life. In my own eight-year-old way, I broke gender barriers by playing dodgeball at recess and wearing shirts that glittered in pink sparkles outlining the purple swirls of my anthem: #GirlPower. I was, in every sense, a strong-willed little girl.

So, where does the confidence go?

It starts with societal pressure. The “confidence gap” between men and women reveals how women feel less qualified than men in their capabilities. This gap results in how “men overestimate their abilities and performance,” while “women underestimate both” (Kay). Many women grow up feeling empowered, yet in adulthood, they doubt what they can achieve. This doubt stems from society's perception of confident girls. The older girls get, the more they are no longer aspiring; they are just arrogant women, asking for too much. Whereas when boys grow up, they are praised for becoming intelligent and tenacious. These perceptions create a decline in female confidence.

This decline is showcased throughout middle and high school. Suddenly, playing with the boys in gym class was deemed as “begging for attention,” and trying to beat the pacer test was “doing too much.” The game of tag turned from “haha, she got you” to “haha, you got tagged by a girl.” In order not to make a fool of myself, I did not challenge this suppressive structure. Conformity was shoved down my throat until I was standing in the back of gym class, twirling my hair playfully, screaming as a dodgeball whizzed past me. Ultimately, the sparkles of my message dulled. My essential attribute trickled down into diffidence.

Later on, adult women feel pressure to be exceedingly competent in their positions. Men, on the other hand, feel they are capable without preparation. “Underqualified and underprepared men don’t think twice about leaning in. Overqualified and overprepared, too many women still hold back” (Kay). Men will rely on their confidence, which society happily bolsters. Inversely, women rely on their competence because years of disapproval have edified them. Female confidence only results when women are exceedingly qualified in their position—essentially perfect. As a woman, competence feels like the only way to be capable of high achievement.

Some may argue that Girl Power’s purpose has been misconstrued with the popularization of misandry. Feeling they are the superior sex, this radical belief shifts away from social reforms towards martyrdom (Peralta). Similarly, others say that the modern age has marketed the feminist movement for capitalist revenue (Bae). However, these misrepresentations of Girl Power rob the thousands of well-qualified women who value pursuing their passions. Empowering young girls to be confident is now more important than ever.

For women to preserve their most powerful superpower throughout their teenage years, it is essential to push social conformity. A young girl should never have to lose her spark or worry how her effort might come across as too ambitious. If she is supposed to grow up as an independent woman, enabling her cannot cease after her adolescence. Bring back #GirlPower, not for the cliche empowerment, but for that little girl in her sparkly shirt. By safeguarding confidence, you protect her strong-willed, bright future.

This Article was edited by Head Editor Yusuf Eltom