What is holding us back ??

We are all born equal boys and girls ,Our Parents send us to the same schools ,same set of toys and same nurturing ,how is it that we as girls and women start holding back and feeling different !less confident ,looking outside for acceptance ,thinking twice before acting ?what makes us hold back 
Holding back questions in class thinking what if I am laughed at
Holding back opportunities to travel 
Holding back leading a group discussion

What is it that holds us back ,It is not the environment for sure ,it is how we have programmed ourselves .
This programming starts when we start comparing ourselves and conditioning our mind telling the mind that I am the weaker person ,I will need support of my family or a friend to lead my life ,Let us ask why when we are not lacking in any aspect as compared to a man ,We are all born with the same set of competencies but it is we who hold ourselves back .

In my B school campus placement a very well know liquor company came on campus for placements ,there was a huge line up of men who would give it their best shot to be working with them and more than 50% of the boys applied and how many girls applied - your guess is as good as mine - only one which was me  ,why did no on else apply it was a brand management role and the package was attractive too and it was as  Head office role ,what stopped all the women from applying ,What held them back from applying? Their own fears - what if I get selected ?If i get selected my chances of matrimonial alliance will go down ....what will people think I am working for a liquor company ?
Why will the chances of a guys matrimony not go down and why will people not frown at him ??

This is a syndrome that we as women develop we start preparing ourselves for all other responsibilities without taking responsibility of our own selves .Instead of grooming ourselves for bigger roles in organisation we try and be content with what is offered to us without even getting into a negotiation with anyone ,Why should we not value ourselves ,why is a women manger paid less than a male ,why is it that he can fight for his increment and promotion and women will not ?

Chances are that if we do ask we will get it for sure but we don't - we hold back ,women often think that if I get promoted or ask for an increment I will need to justify myself more ,work harder devote more hours at work  who will look after the kids ? who will cook ? 

We need to break free from our own shackles and ask for support ,take help and not try to be a super Mom ,Super Wife ,home maker all rolled into one and loose our selves in the proceess.

Let determine to get more out of life not by holding back but moving ahead with confidence ,talking baout our situation ,working out solutions .

I was sailing in the same boat ,god decided to answer my prayers and my wedding date was scheduled in the middle of a major product launch ,one way of reacting would be to quit my job take a sabbatical or reschedule my wedding date but after contemplating I decided not to hold back and went and spoke to my Manger ,to my surprise he was very supportive and asked how many days leave did I need for marriage and approved it immediately

,the idea is to reach out and not hold .

So all you beautiful and very talented women out there reach out and don't hold back the sky is the limit for us .