'I felt an unspoken pressure to smile' - Kenyan women in the workplace

In Kenya, many women like Faith feel pressured to conform and be agreeable in the workplace to avoid being perceived as difficult or moody. This phenomenon is called "likeability labor," where women constantly second-guess, overthink, and mask their true opinions to be liked at work. Studies show that women face challenges advancing into senior leadership roles due to this pressure, highlighting the need for systemic changes and mentorship to empower women to advocate for themselves professionally. This issue of likeability labor is a global trend affecting women in various industries worldwide.