It is safe to say that we have made great progress in our quest for gender equality, particularly when we look back on the journey we have been on since the inception of International Women’s Day in the early 1900’s. However, despite the great strides we have taken, the challenges faced by women in every walk of life persist and evolve with the changing times.
As a woman who has confronted significant adversity and trauma, I understand that sometimes overcoming such challenges can feel impossible and unsurmountable. Yet my own journey reaffirms that with determination and resilience, any vision is not only achievable but also within the grasp of us all. The grit that has seen me through tough times is not unique; it resides within every woman, creating an unparalleled force capable of generating momentum for the change we aspire to see.
Yet, such aspirational grit and determination weren't something I always recognised in myself.
At my lowest, I was told that I was utterly worthless, and I believed that.
This is why standing on the stage at the recent Great British Businesswoman of the Year awards, being crowned both the Role Model of the Year and the overall Woman of the Year, in many ways still feels very surreal.
I genuinely never believed that my story would lead me to where I am today, meaning that being crowned the winner of these prestigious awards is a moment I will cherish forever. Not just because it was an incredible memory that filled me with pride, but because it finally sunk in that I was, in fact, good enough.
I honestly believe that it is important to share my story with authenticity and honesty; I am still on my own journey, and I still struggle with the war waging in my own mind. Yet I hope that my own growth can in some way resonate with other women and help serve as a testament to the fact that we can rewrite the scripts of our lives and propel our destinies forward, not in spite of our past but fuelled by the strength it has forged within us.
I am frequently asked what advice I would give to my younger self, and it undoubtedly would be to nurture the most important relationship we can have in life—the one with ourselves. We spend so much time thinking about the opinions of other people, without devoting time to work on what we think of ourselves. Knowing yourself, backing yourself, and being your own biggest champion forms the bedrock of true empowerment. This lesson goes beyond external validations; it's about redefining what it means to be truly successful on our terms.
Success, I've learned, is not a destination; it's an internal journey towards feeling truly fulfilled. It involves setting goals beyond the confines of work, pursuing passions, understanding one's purpose, and finding true joy in life. It is about stepping up and taking a chance, and embracing challenges with courage.
I have also evolved to become a huge champion of shameless self-advocacy - to stand tall in our worth without arrogance or apology, recognising the value of our contributions and unapologetically standing up for ourselves and others. It's a commitment to fostering a culture of empowerment where we stand strong for ourselves and other women - amplifying voices, empowering choices.
So, as we celebrate International Women's Day in 2024, let us champion not just one woman but every woman and every ally. Our experiences, though unique, contribute to a shared narrative of empowerment, resilience, and hope. Let our successes be an inspiration for others and a beacon of possibility for generations to come.
Together, let us continue evoking positive change, and shamelessly advocating for ourselves and others. In this collective journey, we redefine what it means to be successful—internalising empowerment and inspiring a world where every woman boldly steps into her greatness.
The next The Great British Businesswoman Awards will take place on January 30th 2025, we will be sharing more information on applications in the coming months however if you have any questions in the meantime please reach out to awards@grcworldforums.com