Four ‘woman warriors’ share their advice to women
On occasion of Women’s Day we’ve reached out to four ‘women warriors’ - women who stand up for the rights of other women, give them a voice and offer support. We asked them to share three pieces of advice which they believe women out there need to know and keep in mind. Based on their experience and work with women… here is what they had to say.
“Nowhere is too far gone to come back from” - Trudy Kerr
Trudy Kerr is a media professional having produced and presented hundreds of shows on both radio and television. In 2020 she turned to podcasting with the launch of The Interviewer and, two years later, she launched The SHE Word, a popular podcast series that brings an open and honest discussion about the topics that affect women, but are rarely shared.
Nowhere is too far down, too dark, too desperate that you can’t come back from. Recovery and rebirth is always possible. In 2001 I was devastated by the betrayal and abuse of my then-husband, London was in the middle of a recession and I found myself jobless, eventually homeless, hooked on cocaine, alcohol and smoking 30 a day. I don't say this lightly, but I do say it with experience - nowhere is too far gone to come back from. It may take hard work, but when you are at rock bottom there is nothing else to lose.
Do something selfless every day. Whether it is letting someone out in the traffic, holding the door open for a struggling mum, offering to help an elderly lady with her shopping bag or my personal favourite - complimenting a complete stranger on their appearance. The rewards are day-changing and the very quickest way to reset your outlook - even when you aren't having a great day.
Just Do It. Take chances and get out of your comfort zone. It could be something as simple as taking a long rambling walk into the countryside, applying for a job that will stretch you, saying yes to a surprise invitation, taking up a new sport or hobby, seeking the therapy that you have been putting off. Don't overthink it, just embrace the nerves and ride the challenge - this is where the magic happens and you will be more empowered every single time.
“Invest in yourself” - Francesca Fenech Conti
Francesca Fenech Conti is an avid women’s rights activist. She founded the popular Women for Women Facebook group and later set up the Women for Women Foundation to help, support and empower women.
Invest in yourselves and your own mental and physical wellbeing. Self-investment is not a selfish act but confident, successful women are assets to their communities.
Learn to keep healthy boundaries with the people in your life. Boundaries allow us to build healthy and meaningful relationships.
Use your voice to stand up for injustices you see around you. Never shy away from speaking out.
“Wear your scars proudly” - Sabine Agius Cabourdin
Sabine Agius Cabourdin is a property and commercial lawyer and the founder of the FIDEM Foundation, a non-profit organisation that provides support and empowerment opportunities to vulnerable people through access to education and wellbeing guidance.
Never stop learning. What you learn is your most powerful asset. Your education is your most powerful tool. Don’t let anyone plant seeds of doubt that you are not capable of getting that degree, certificate, diploma or whatever it is you dream of becoming. Never stop dreaming, but believe in that dream. If you believe hard enough it will materialise.
Wear your scars proudly. They are what made you. They are your trademark. You are here today stronger than ever.
Don’t let the past dictate what and who you are. But let it define the greater person you are to become.
“Stand up for your rights” - Lara Dimitrijevic
Lara Dimitrijevic is a lawyer specialising in family law and human rights. She leads the Women's Rights Foundation, a voluntary organisation committed to informing, educating and empowering women concerning their legal rights.
Never give up and never let anyone put you down. There are struggles, there are currents and at times strong forces to try to shut you up. But always remember that when this happens, it means that you are doing it right, sister!
Standing up for your rights is not only a success for yourself, but for all women. Speak up and be proudly loud.
Achievements have been made, but struggles still continue. We are living in a time of war - from actual wars that bring with it so much suffering, including rape of women, to an uprise in far right ideology. In times like these, women’s unity is paramount and important. Together we will continue to make it.