What is the bitch stigma?
We all know it’s bad to be called a bitch. In fact most women are taught from a very young age that it’s one of the worst things to be called (perhaps only second to being called a slut.) While some pop culture has been reclaiming the word in recent years, it’s still considered to be a very particular kind of insult when calling women a bitch.
Bitch Stigma is a phrase I’ve coined to describe the legitimate fear many women feel in their personal and professional lives, that they will be judged harshly for being assertive.
This sexist sentiment says that women who are described as bitchy, bossy, or domineering can’t get ahead and won’t be liked. The stigma that women feel when it comes to being assertive (and therefore often being labeled as bitchy, bossy or domineering) is a very real concern and creates self-doubt.
Some things the bitch stigma affects...
Meet Kali Williams
Kali Williams is the author and community organizer behind the Bitch Stigma. She’s a longtime entrepreneur, speaker, and feminist who uses storytelling and her unconventional background to help women embrace their power, use their voice, and take up more space.
Right now Kali is hard at work finishing up the Bitch Stigma book and running the Bitch Stigma meetups and workshops in the San Francisco area.
The bitch stigma book
We're writing a book and need your help.
Lend us your voice by taking one of our surveys about your experiences and thoughts on being a confident, assertive woman. We want to hear from women across all industries and professions.
