Self-advocacy is more than just speaking up; it’s about knowing your worth, setting boundaries, and confidently asking for what you need to succeed.
For many career-driven women, advocating for yourself at work can feel daunting, especially in environments where you may be one of the few women at the table or where assertiveness is still unfairly perceived as being ‘too much’.
But self-advocacy is essential. It helps you secure fair pay, access new opportunities, set healthy boundaries, and maintain your wellbeing. It’s also a powerful way to lead by example, empowering others around you to speak up too. Whether you’re navigating a corporate office, small business, or start-up, this guide is here to help you sharpen your self-advocacy skills and take control of your career with confidence.
Know your value
One of the most important parts of self-advocacy is understanding your worth. That means getting clear on the skills, experience, and strengths you bring to your role.
Take stock of:
- The projects you’ve led or contributed to
- Positive feedback from colleagues or clients
- Targets you’ve met (or exceeded)
- Skills you’ve developed or taught others.
When you can clearly articulate your impact, it becomes much easier to advocate for a raise, a promotion, or more responsibilities. Keep a running list of your achievements and refer to it often; it’s not bragging, it’s keeping receipts.
Speak up in meetings
It’s easy to shrink back in meetings, especially when others dominate the conversation. But if you have something to contribute, speak up. Whether it’s a suggestion, a question, or simply supporting a colleague’s idea, your voice matters.
If you’re unsure how to start, try:
- “I’d like to add to that point…”
- “From my perspective…”
- “Here’s a possible solution…”
Practising speaking in small ways can build confidence over time. And remember, you were hired for a reason. You belong at the table.
Ask for what you want (and deserve)
Whether it’s a pay rise, professional development, or more flexible hours, you can’t get what you don’t ask for. While it might feel uncomfortable, advocating for what you need is not only reasonable, it’s professional.
Here are a few tips:
- Do your research. Know the industry average for your role and level.
- Be specific. Instead of saying “I want a raise,” try “Based on my performance, I’d like to discuss a salary adjustment”.
- Stay calm and confident. Frame the conversation around your contributions and future goals, not just your needs.
Negotiation isn’t about creating tension; it’s about creating clarity. It’s a constructive exchange where both sides can better understand each other’s needs and priorities.
When you advocate for yourself, you’re not being difficult. You’re showing that you’re engaged, confident, and committed to your role. It signals to your employer that you value your contributions and are invested in your growth. Speaking up in this way is a professional strength, not a weakness.
Set boundaries and protect your time
Burnout is real, and women often feel the pressure to ‘do it all’ to prove themselves. But being constantly available or saying yes to every request doesn’t make you a better employee, it makes you exhausted.
Learning to say no (or “not right now”) is a key part of self-advocacy. Boundaries protect your energy and allow you to focus on the work that matters most.
Try phrases like:
- “I’d love to help, but I don’t have capacity at the moment”.
- “Can we revisit this next week?”
- “I’ll need to prioritise X before I can take on Y”.
It might feel like you’re disappointing others, but the truth is you’re only human. Honouring your limits isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. By recognising when to push forward and when to pause, you give yourself the balance needed to stay focused, effective, and well.
Looking after your energy is one of the smartest ways to protect both your health and your performance.
Don’t wait for recognition. Claim it
Unfortunately, many women have been taught that if you work hard, your efforts will automatically be recognised. But in reality, visibility often matters just as much as performance.
Don’t be afraid to share your wins. This doesn’t mean showing off; it means making sure your work is seen and understood.
You might:
- Send a summary email after finishing a project
- Share results in a team meeting
- Keep your manager updated on your progress.
When people understand your contributions, it becomes much easier for them to advocate for you, too.
Build a support network
Self-advocacy doesn’t mean going it alone. Having allies at work, especially other women, can make a big difference. These are people who can give you feedback, cheer you on, and even speak up on your behalf when you’re not in the room.
You might find these connections through:
- Workplace women’s networks or employee resource groups
- Mentorship programs
- Informal coffee catch-ups with colleagues.
Support goes both ways. Advocate for others when you can, and you’ll help build a culture where everyone feels empowered to do the same.
Back yourself, even when it’s hard
Imposter syndrome is common, especially among women in leadership or male-dominated industries. You might feel like you’re not ready or that you’ve somehow landed your role by luck.
When self-doubt creeps in, remind yourself:
- You’ve earned your place through skill and effort
- Everyone feels uncertain sometimes, even your boss
- Real confidence comes from action.
Upskilling through further study, whether it’s a business degree, a Master of Management, or another course relevant to your goals, can be a powerful way to strengthen your professional standing. It not only builds confidence and sharpens strategic thinking but also equips you with the credentials to advocate for yourself more effectively.
Practice and prosper
Self-advocacy is a skill, and like any skill, it gets stronger the more you practice it. It’s not about being aggressive or always getting your way. It’s about honouring your value, asking for what you need, and showing up with confidence.
For women navigating modern workplaces, now is the time to own your space. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, running your own business, or forging a new path entirely, your voice matters.
So speak up, back yourself, and don’t be afraid to take up room. You’ve got this.