The lives and happiness of millions of women have been constricted because of lack of self-esteem. This comprehensive approach to self-esteem and women's experience discusses possible answers to several questions: How and why have so many women come to see themselves as less able, less bright, less valuable than they really are? What effects does lack of self-esteem have on an individual woman's psychological health, relationships, work performance, and attitudes toward others? What effects does low self-esteem among large numbers of women have on women as a group - politically, economically, and socially? Specific suggestions are also made as to what women can do to increase their self-esteem and take more control of their lives, thus making their own existences happier and more fulfilled.