Time away from work hits women's confidence harder then men's


New research (poll) has shown that this loss of confidence was nearly twice as prevalent in women (42%) than in men (24%). 

Another report released in 2021 by think tank The WealthiHer Network, revealed that most (79%) admit to struggling with their self-esteem.


Local charity, My Sisters’ House are based in Bognor Regis and provide a range of support needs to women from all backgrounds facing all kinds of issues. In 2016 they launched their Step Forward Project to deal directly with confidence and self-esteem issues faced by women. Funded by the European Social Fund and the National Lottery Community Fund, the project provides women with a holistic package of support and learning opportunities based on their personal ambitions and priorities.

We spoke to Caroline from the Step Forward team at My Sisters’ House, “The Step Forward project is for women who want to develop the skills, experience and confidence necessary to move into training, education or employment. We work in partnership with each individual to identify personal barriers and needs, alongside aims and ambitions for moving forward on the journey back into employment.”

Caroline went on to tell us about one woman, Louella, and her recent and positive journey within Step Forward, “Louella is a fine example of the life changing journey you can be on and we have helped many, many women change their life for the better.”

We reached out to Louella, and she wants to share her story to help motivate and inspire other women. “I didn’t know where to turn to, especially through lockdown. I found Step Forward and with the support from their keyworkers and other women on my course have given me the self-belief that I can do anything if I put my mind to it! Being able to share my dreams in a safe space within the group allowed me to realise that it was me standing in my own way. I feel really privileged that I could share my songs and my dreams in a safe space within the group.”

With the help of the 7-week course, Louella has been able to face her challenges head on, “I have always enjoyed writing and producing my own songs and with my new found confidence I was recently asked to sing with a trance producer and will be releasing my first song in November 2022”

“This is a fantastic example of what you can achieve with the Step Forward programme. We believe that it is the ladies’ journey, and we are there to hold their hand and support them with their dreams and goals”, explains Caroline.

If you are unemployed, and struggling with confidence or self-esteem, get in touch with My Sisters' House to find out more about how you can get involved with the next Step Forward Programme: My Sisters' House

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