‘I felt an unspoken pressure to smile’

Faith, a 24-year-old woman in Kenya, faces pressure to conform and be agreeable in her workplace, reflecting a broader issue of “likeability labour” where women feel compelled to prioritize being liked over expressing their opinions. Research shows significant barriers for women in advancing to leadership roles, with 50% in entry-level positions dropping to 26% at senior levels, highlighting systemic inequalities in corporate environments.