Twice The Work, Half The Credit

by Salha Kaitesi | Mar 14, 2025 | Reflections | 20 comments

There’s a weight that comes with being a woman who dares to dream big. A silent, exhausting kind of hustle that means working twice, sometimes three times as hard just to be seen, let alone taken seriously. I’ve lost count of the times my ideas were dismissed, only for them to suddenly be "brilliant" when echoed by someone else. It stings, but let’s be honest, we’ve all been there.

But it’s not just women who play a role in this. I’ve also been fortunate to have men in my corner who champion me, who see my worth and advocate for me in spaces I may not always have access to.

The truth is, navigating this world as a woman - especially a Black woman often feels like walking through quicksand. Progress happens, but it’s slow, and every step takes more effort than it should. That’s why having a strong community of women around me has been a game-changer. I don’t mean just any community, but one that truly inspires, challenges, and supports me. The kind of sisterhood where we don’t just cheer from the sidelines but actually push each other forward. I'm lucky to have that.

My inner circle is filled with women who are masters in their own fields - women who are unapologetically brilliant, ambitious, and fiercely committed to their craft. And you know what? I learn from them every single day. There’s no jealousy, no competition, just a mutual respect and a shared understanding that when one of us wins, we all win. That’s the energy we should all strive for.

But it’s not just women who play a role in this. I’ve also been fortunate to have men in my corner who champion me, who see my worth and advocate for me in spaces I may not always have access to. The right men - true allies understand that uplifting women doesn’t diminish their own power. Instead, it creates stronger, more inclusive communities where everyone thrives. And I see that in the men I trust and respect, the ones who celebrate my wins and encourage my growth.

Because the reality is, the world already does enough to pit women against each other. It tells us there’s only so much space at the table, that success is a limited resource. But that’s a lie. There is enough room for all of us to shine, and when we champion each other instead of tearing each other down, we become unstoppable.

Photo by Prince Akachi

So, if you take anything from this, let it be this: Find your people. Build your circle. Be in rooms where you are inspired, not drained. And most importantly, be the woman who lifts others as she climbs, because that’s the kind of legacy worth leaving behind.

Written by Salha Kaitesi

20 Comments

20 Comments

  1. Maria N

    Tell them sister!! Well done darling.

    Reply
    • Fiona L

      Absolutely sis! Go where you’re celebrated not tolerated. Sisterhood is super proud of you beaut. Keep up the great work 🙌🏾❤️🌹✨️

      Reply
      • Salha Kaitesi

        Much love sis. Thank you for your unwavering support xx

        Reply
  2. Olivia Moyo

    That part about sisterhood? YES! We need more spaces where women genuinely uplift each other instead of competing.

    Reply
  3. Milly Blackwood

    I used to feel jealous of other women’s success until I realised that their wins don’t take anything away from me. Love this reminder!

    Reply
    • Salha Kaitesi

      Glad you arrived at that, as many people wouldn’t see it that way. It’s not easy, but worth trying to shift the mindset.

      Reply
  4. Julie I

    I totally agree about sisterhood, but do you think the problem is just society, or do we sometimes hold ourselves back too?

    Reply
    • Salha Kaitesi

      I see your point there Julie. at times we are our own worst enemies due to different things. But maybe being kinder and still pushing ourselves and friends in the hope if one day – the person will see it for themselves.

      Reply
  5. Beth A

    I get what you’re saying, but why do we have to work twice as hard? Shouldn’t we be demanding better instead of just accepting it?

    Reply
    • Salha Kaitesi

      Personally speaking, I do demand better – but always against those with privilege and power, hence my exhaustion. But it doest mean we can’t do both. So, keep asking for better outcomes, but also have each other’s backs.

      Reply
  6. Linda Gomes

    I want to believe there’s enough space for all of us to shine, but let’s be real, some industries thrive on scarcity and gatekeeping. How do we break in?

    Reply
  7. Julie Rwivanga

    I get the whole ‘sisterhood’ thing, but let’s not act like every woman is rooting for us. Sometimes men have been my biggest supporters. Thoughts?

    Reply
    • Salha Kaitesi

      That’s just made me laugh. Thanks for your honesty of which I agree with. Its is true that some women we know are enablers in destroying other women. I hate those!

      Reply
  8. Ellie Mutesi

    This really spoke to me! As a young Black woman trying to figure out my path, it’s inspiring to see how important it is to have a strong support system. Definitely saving this for motivation! Thanx

    Reply
  9. Molly Gill

    I don’t think people talk about this enough! I see it in schools too, girls being underestimated or ignored, even when they have the best ideas. We need more conversations like this!

    Reply

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