By Angelique Masse-Nguyen, Co-Founder & CEO, NOI – Nữ theo kiểu của bạn –
March is a month of recognition, reflection, and empowerment. As we champion Rights, Equality, and Empowerment for ALL Women and Girls, we not only honor the achievements of women but also recognize the ongoing challenges that still need addressing. This year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) theme, Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress, reminds us that real change happens when we empower women with the resources, support, and recognition they deserve.
As the founder of NOI- Nữ theo kiểu của bạn, a platform in Vietnam dedicated to strengthening communication for Vietnamese women and creating awareness where there was none, I’ve seen firsthand the power of words, confidence, and community. Through NOI, we work to reshape narratives, ensuring that women feel seen, heard, and empowered to take up space.
Over the past weeks, I’ve shared reflections on LinkedIn about the experiences, challenges, and realities that shape us as women. From navigating imposter syndrome to redefining leadership with intention, these conversations are more relevant than ever. This month, I’m bringing them together again—because advocating for Rights, Equality, and Empowerment is not just a time for celebration, but an opportunity to reflect on both the small and big challenges we face, amplify discussions that drive real change, and reaffirm our commitment to progress.
The Language We Use Shapes Our Impact
One of the things I’ve observed—especially among women in leadership and entrepreneurship—is how often we soften our language. We shrink our words, diluting our impact without even realizing it.
I’ve caught myself doing it too:
- “I just wanted to check in…” → No. You’re following up.
- “I’m not sure if this makes sense…” → It does. Own your point.
- “This might be an irrelevant question…” → No question is stupid if it moves the conversation forward.
This isn’t just a habit; it’s conditioning. We are taught to be nice rather than assertive. But the truth is: clarity isn’t rude, confidence isn’t overstepping, and precision isn’t arrogance.
A few small shifts in language can change everything:
- ❌ “Maybe we should consider…” → ✅ “I recommend…”
- ❌ “Does that make sense?” → ✅ “What are your thoughts?”
- ❌ “I’ll try to…” → ✅ “I will…”
When we speak with confidence, people listen differently—not because we changed our ideas, but because we changed how we delivered them.
The Support Behind Success
Too often, we look at women managing careers, businesses, and families and assume they have a secret formula for doing it all. But the truth is, what makes it possible is privilege, not superhuman efficiency.
I don’t do it alone. I have a nanny.
Having reliable support at home allows me to focus on my work, show up for meetings, and build NOI. Yet, we don’t talk enough about the support systems behind working women. Whether it’s family, flexible partners, or full-time childcare, very few of us are truly doing it alone. And we certainly don’t pay women in support roles enough for the crucial work they do.
So, if you ever feel like you’re not “keeping up,” remember: you’re probably only seeing part of the picture.
Rewriting the Motherhood Narrative
Motherhood and leadership shouldn’t be in conflict, yet many of us feel immense pressure to prove that one doesn’t affect the other.
I felt this deeply during my three maternity leaves.
For my first, I barely took six weeks. I rushed back to work, afraid to be seen as less capable. By my second, I was in a more senior role and returned after two months, feeling gratitude for being hired while pregnant. It wasn’t until my third child that I took three full months and truly allowed myself to enjoy the experience.
Looking back, I realize I wasn’t just navigating motherhood—I was navigating the pressure to live up to an ideal that didn’t exist.
If more working moms openly shared their experiences, perhaps I would have made different choices.
This is why we need to normalize diverse paths in balancing work and motherhood. It’s not about being a supermom—it’s about making informed, intentional choices, not ones driven by internalized stereotypes.
Redefining Work and Purpose
As a mom of three, I’ve had my share of tearful goodbyes at the door. At first, I’d say, “I’m sorry, I have to go to work.” But then I realized the message I was sending—that work is a burden, something we do out of obligation.
Now, I say something different: “I’m looking forward to my day.”
I want my children to know that fulfillment comes from many places—work, creativity, friendships, and simply enjoying life. If we redefine success for ourselves, we help the next generation define it on their own terms.
Leading with Intention
Empowering women goes beyond recognition—it’s about action.
One of the policies I implemented in my workplace was menstrual leave. No justification needed, no questions asked. The result? It not only supported well-being but also normalized conversations around periods in the workplace.
Creating environments where women feel seen and valued matters. This is how we invest in women to accelerate progress.
The Road Ahead
Leadership is a journey of learning and unlearning.
A few hard-won lessons have shaped my path:
- Not every promotion is worth it. Understand why you’re being promoted and ensure it’s not just because no one else wants the role.
- Negotiate your salary—every time. Most hiring managers expect it. Ask both male and female peers what they’d request for the role, and set a confident figure.
- Lead with empathy and purpose. Leadership isn’t about molding yourself into someone else’s expectations; it’s about staying true to your values.
As we advocate for Rights, Equality, and Empowerment for ALL Women and Girls, let’s continue to lift each other up, challenge outdated narratives, and use our voices with strength.
Because when we invest in women and girls, we accelerate progress for everyone.
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