L’Oréal Paris’ Women of Worth on breaking barriers and championing female empowerment against all odds

As L’Oréal’s Women of Worth, how would you define empowerment and self-worth in your own words?

Wijendra: Empowerment, to me, is the freedom to make choices that align with your values, aspirations, and identity. It's about having the confidence and resources to pursue your dreams without feeling constrained by societal expectations or limitations. Self-worth is deeply intertwined with this—it's about recognizing your inherent value, independent of external validation. When we truly believe in our worth, we become unstoppable, capable of achieving greatness and uplifting others along the way.

Kaur: Women empowerment is all about how we women support each other, and live free from discrimination and inequality. Self-worth is about recognising your strengths and accepting your weaknesses. To believe that you are strong, powerful, confident and positive, will allow you to face challenges and pursue your dreams.

Christinna Kuan: Empowerment is all about lifting each other and believing that everyone has the potential to shine in their unique way without putting others down. It’s about recognising and celebrating our strengths. Self-worth is knowing that you’re valuable just as you are. It’s about loving yourself and being confident in your skin.

Jestinna Kuan: Empowerment is all about feeling confident and the capability to go after what you want. Self-worth is recognising your value and understanding that you deserve respect and opportunities just by being yourself. It’s about believing in your abilities and not letting anyone or anything shake that belief.

Kim: Empowerment to me is about embracing your full potential and living a life true to yourself, while also inspiring and supporting others to do the same. Self-worth is knowing that your worth comes from within and doesn’t depend on what others think about you. It’s about being your own biggest supporter and believing in your worthiness.

Who are the women in your lives that empower you?

Wijendra: The women who empower me are those who have shown resilience and grace in the face of challenges. Grace Hopper, a pioneer in computer science who invented the very first programming language, is a significant source of inspiration for me. Before Hopper’s work, programming was done using complex machine code, which consisted of binary instructions that were difficult for humans to write and understand. Her groundbreaking work and fearless approach to solving problems in a male-dominated field remind me of the power of perseverance and innovation.

Kaur: I have a few important women who have supported me through my life journey. My mother, grandmother, aunty, and my coaches, Kak Bob and Kak Mala.

Christinna Kuan: My mum and sister for sure. They’ve always been there for me, looking out for my best interests with endless love and care. Their selflessness and strong values inspire me daily and remind me that with dedication and heart, I can achieve anything. They’re the embodiment of what it means to be strong and supportive, and I strive to practise that in my own life.

Jestinna Kuan: My mom and my sister are a huge inspiration for me. My mum has always been my number one supporter and never once complains about all the work she has to do no matter how hard it is. On the other hand, my sister has always been so dedicated and hardworking, balancing her career and family with such grace. Both of them have inspired me to keep chasing my goals and never forget to prioritise what really matters in your life.

Kim: There are so many! Every woman who really goes after her fullest potential inspires me. When I see women being true to themselves, chasing their dreams, and owning who they are, it reminds me that real empowerment comes from being authentic and helping others do the same. It’s all about being true to who you are, supporting each other through shared experiences, and stepping outside your comfort zone. Watching their journeys pushes me to do the same in my own life.

What’s a personal mantra or mindset shift that has helped you overcome moments of self-doubt?

Wijendra: One mantra that has always guided me is, “Growth happens outside your comfort zone.” This reminds me that discomfort is often a sign of growth and learning. When I feel self-doubt creeping in, I reframe it as an opportunity to push beyond my perceived limits. Embracing challenges and uncertainties with a growth mindset has been crucial in overcoming self-doubt and achieving success in both my professional and personal life.

Kaur: I always try to think positively and always pray that things will be okay, and I also believe in the power of manifesting.

Christinna Kuan: “Fake it till you make it” has been my go-to mantra. It’s a reminder that mastering something takes time and practice, and it’s okay to start uncertain. Consistency and persistence are key—keep showing up and doing your best and confidence will follow.

Jestinna Kuan: A mantra that helps me is focusing on finding the positive in every situation, even when things look tough. It’s better to take a chance and fail than to avoid trying altogether. Seeing challenges as opportunities rather than setbacks can shift your perspective and build confidence.

Kim: A personal mantra is to trust the process through all the ups and downs, and keep reminding myself that there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. I choose to focus on the positive, no matter what. I’ve learned to take the lows as lessons and celebrate the highs, even the little wins.

What barriers or stereotypes have you encountered as a woman, and how did you challenge them with confidence?

Wijendra: In the tech industry, there’s a pervasive stereotype that leadership and technical expertise are predominantly male domains. This stereotype is often reinforced by the fact that, in many situations, I’ve found myself as the only woman in the room. This can be incredibly isolating and, at times, intimidating. However, I’ve never allowed these stereotypes to deter me. Instead, I’ve used them as a source of motivation, pushing myself to excel and demonstrate that women can lead with a powerful combination of technical acumen and empathy.

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One of the ways I've challenged these stereotypes is by consistently delivering results that speak for themselves. Whether it’s developing a complex AI model or leading a cross-functional team, I ensure that my work is not only technically sound but also innovative and impactful. This has helped me earn respect and recognition in a field where women are often underrepresented.

Additionally, I’ve taken it upon myself to mentor and support other women in tech. By sharing my experiences and providing guidance, I aim to empower them to navigate similar challenges with confidence. I believe that by lifting each other up, we can collectively challenge these outdated stereotypes and create a more inclusive environment where diversity in leadership is not just accepted but celebrated. I am convinced that diversity is not just a moral imperative but also a key driver of innovation, as it brings a wide range of perspectives and ideas to the table.

Kaur: I think the biggest hurdle as a female footballer is that we still don’t have enough support from everyone, maybe because of the cultural barriers including gender stereotypes that we still experience until today. But I believe it is slowly getting better and we need to inspire a new generation of female footballers. Increased interest often leads to improved opportunities, support, and visibility for women’s football at various levels.

Christinna Kuan: I’ve faced the stereotype that women in fashion are just about appearances. I chose to prove them wrong—staying dedicated to my work and letting my efforts and ideas speak for themselves. I believe that consistency and passion can break down these misconceptions over time. People talk, but actions talk louder.

Jestinna Kuan: One stereotype I’ve faced is the idea that I wasn’t going to be successful juggling between my studies in pharmacy and being a content creator. In reality, the two can actually complement each other. You can definitely blend different passions and excel in both.

Kim: In business and personal life, I’ve faced stereotypes about women being too emotional or not capable of making tough decisions. I’ve also been underestimated, with people thinking I’m just “a little girl who will be eaten by the top dogs in the industry.” Honestly, I love proving people wrong simply because other opinions do not define who I am, especially in times of doubt, it’s even more important to believe in yourself when no one else does.

What are some existing barriers to women empowerment that you think need to be dismantled?

Wijendra: One significant barrier is the lack of representation and visibility of women in leadership roles, particularly in STEM fields. This underrepresentation perpetuates the belief that women are less suited for these positions. To dismantle this barrier, we need more platforms that highlight female role models and leaders, and we must actively work to create inclusive environments where women can thrive. Mentorship programs and policies that support work-life balance are also critical in empowering women to pursue and sustain leadership roles.

Christinna Kuan: One big barrier is the idea that women should conform to certain roles or expectations. We need to challenge these stereotypes and show that women can be dynamic, multi-faceted and successful in every aspect of their lives. Let’s just ditch the idea of having to choose between career or personal life because women are strong and resilient. We can juggle it all with style!

Jestinna Kuan: A big one is the lack of equal opportunities in leadership roles for women. Plus, there are still societal pressures that push women into certain roles or limit their choices. We need to challenge these norms and push for more inclusive opportunities so women can thrive in whatever they choose.

Kim: I think it’s the societal expectations that often box women into certain roles. It’s like women are expected to put family first and fit into predefined roles, which can limit their choices and dreams. We should support women by making things like childcare more accessible and offering options like bringing kids to work. It’s about helping women pursue their passions without feeling held back by traditional expectations. We need to dismantle the idea that women must conform to traditional roles and give women the space to create their narratives.

What advice would you give to young women who are seeking to build their self-confidence and find their path to empowerment?

Wijendra: My advice would be to embrace your unique journey and not be afraid of failure. Self-confidence grows when you step out of your comfort zone and face challenges head-on. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you, and seek out mentors who can guide you along the way. Most importantly, trust in your abilities and never let anyone define your worth. Your path to empowerment is yours to shape—believe in yourself, and the world will follow suit.

Kaur: Always keep believing in yourself, never give up and chase your dreams. There will always be difficulties and challenges, but manifesting and thinking positively may help you overcome them.

Christinna Kuan: Confidence comes from doing what you love and owning it. So, have fun, make mistakes, and remember: the more you embrace who you are, the more confident you’ll become. Surround yourself with supportive people who uplift you, and remember that self-confidence grows from taking small steps and celebrating your successes.

Jestinna Kuan: Be yourself and go after what excites you. Confidence grows from doing what you love and learning as you go. Remember that progress takes time, and everyone starts from somewhere. It’s not about perfection, it’s about progression. Keep going!

Kim: I’d say the best thing you can do is surround yourself with people who believe in you and push you to step out of your comfort zone. Also, check out success stories of other women who’ve faced similar struggles—they can be inspiring and give you that extra boost when you need it. Most importantly, celebrate the little wins and be kind to yourself during setbacks—they’re just part of the journey. Remember, confidence builds from doing things over and over, so keep at it and trust the process.

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