Her Story
ON the cusp of Women’s History Month, a period in March highlighting the contributions of women, today we’re reminding you to tell your story, in line with the 2023 theme — ‘Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories’. How important is it to join the discussion and use our words and experiences to strengthen our connections with each other? How do you make his-tory, her story?
Her story rewrites history from a female perspective, opening the door for women not to be bound by their traditional roles, but to model other strong and accomplished women.
Here are four expressions that we can’t help but admire, from women who insist on telling their stories…
On accepting disappointments:
“Sometimes the dreams we have for ourselves are smaller and more limiting than we could ever believe. Sometimes our calling or purpose lies behind a closed door, a locked window, a rejection letter, a dismissal. Sometimes we sit on hidden potential, talents and gifts that are just waiting to make room for us…” – Terri Karelle Reid, event and TV host, speaker, content curator and online branding strategist.
Reid posited that instead of allowing ourselves to become defined by the disappointments and rejections that are bound to happen along our different journeys, we should see them for just what they are — redirection.
On prioritising gender equality, women’s economic empowerment
“When we think of women’s economic empowerment we must consider that [this] is a prerequisite for sustainable development. Women’s economic empowerment is a right and women’s economic empowerment requires long-term collaborative and multi-sectoral commitment and approach from all stakeholders” — Rep for St Ann North Eastern Dannyelle-Jordan Bailey, during the first Young Women in Leadership Parliament on February 21. She was explaining that gender equality must be given serious consideration if we are to achieve the human and economic development mandate of Jamaica.
On advocating for gender equality and equity for development
“Gender equity is not just about us as women wanting to forge ahead and holding anybody back. It requires us as strong women, along with our men, to be able to make our communities, our families and our country the best place in which to live.” — Member of Parliament for St Andrew East Rural Juliet Holness, commending the young parliamentarians for their insightful proposals during the first Young Women in Leadership Parliament on February 21.
On making history
“I’m grateful for the breakthroughs I’ve been able to make in my career and for athletics as a whole, but I never thought that those moments would become a part of history.
When you’re in them, you’re focused. You’re not thinking about anything but doing your best; accomplishing your goal. When I’m on the track everything goes silent and it’s just me focused on the finish. I want you to focus on your finish and realise every day you’re making history when you’re focused on being the best you that you can be — whether it’s in your profession, in your community, or in your family. Everything you do today creates history for tomorrow.”
— Olympian Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce, in Black History Month
…And here are some more bits of advice from inspirational women leaders
“Think like a queen. A queen is not afraid to fail. Failure is another steppingstone to greatness.”
– TV hostess Oprah Winfrey
“I have learned that as long as I hold fast to my beliefs and values – and follow my own moral compass – then the only expectations I need to live up to are my own.
– Michelle Obama, author
“The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up. Make sure you’re very courageous: be strong, be extremely kind, and above all, be humble.”
– Tennis great Serena Williams
“I think the biggest part of being a girl boss in the office, at home, or anywhere you go is just knowing your value.”
– Actress Meghan Markle
Life coach and actualisation specialist Yolanda Livingston says there are some habits that you can embrace in order to reach success when writing your story. These include:
1) Rejecting failure as an option – Don’t let thoughts of failing derail your journey, or affect your outcome.
2) Believing in yourself – Confidence is the first step to success; if you don’t have self-confidence you’re doomed for failure.
3) Set achievable goals – This is one of the keys to success too – goals that are achievable, so you can mark each step off your list. Having a goal in mind and striving towards attaining it will set you on the right path.
4) Build relationships – No man is an island, and a strong woman needs to have strong relationships with people, and especially with other women.
5) Take risks – Rome wasn’t built in a day, and no one became successful without taking risks, and trying, and failing. Weigh the risks involved in any matter before taking them and when you feel certain that it will prove no hindrance, go for it.
