Am I good enough? : the factors affecting women’s self-esteem a local study

Abstract

'Am I good enough?' is a struggle shared by many women, with research indicating that low self-esteem issues are more significant among females than males (e.g., Kwang et al., 2013; McMullin & Cairney, 2004; Schwalbe & Staples, 1991). Despite the presence of local dialogue on domestic violence, women’s rights, and the role of women in politics (e.g., Attard, 2020; Carabott, 2019; Cilia, 2019), to date, there has been little to no research on the correlation between Maltese culture and how it affects the self-esteem of its women. This study, therefore, aimed to address this gap. Individual, audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews were held with seven Maltese women, within the 30–35 age bracket. Subsequent thematic analysis elicited relevant themes regarding the participants’ self-esteem. These included: appearance; being a woman in a man’s world; social support or lack thereof; women’s selves as perceived through their attitudes, coping mechanisms and achievements; age and experience; and the local scenario, typified by a culture of gossip and sexism. These findings should alert policy makers and educators to the need for a national policy that safeguards women’s rights more effectively and tackles even subtle forms of discrimination. In line with the participants’ recommendations, this research calls for an educational system that prioritises critical and independent thinking while fostering a healthier self-esteem ethos in tomorrow’s generation.