In a world that often asks women to shrink or second-guess themselves, these voices rise in quiet defiance. This is a celebration of women owning their journeys – each answer is a glimpse into strength, resilience, and what it means to stand tall in your truth, unapologetically.
Gabby StrydomÂ
What’s one thing you wish you had known about your worth when you were younger?
“I wish I had known that true self-worth comes from within, not from external validation. For so long, I looked for approval in other people’s opinions, only to feel more disconnected from who I truly was. The more I sought validation outside myself, the further I drifted from my own values, views and confidence. It took time to realise that lasting contentment and self-acceptance could only be found by turning inward, embracing who I am at my core, and honouring my own journey with how I see myself, above all else.”
What’s one moment you realised your own strength?
“I realised my own strength in the quiet evolution of growing into myself, figuring out my likes and dislikes without being influenced or swayed by the opinions of others, especially when I leapt into freelancing. I’ve had to learn to trust my creativity and my instincts. Choosing to build something on my own showed me that strength isn’t loud or perfect. It’s sometimes betting on yourself, and showing up consistently even when things feel uncertain.”Â
Lindy ElmesÂ
Write a letter/note to your 20-year-old self
“Dear younger me,
You’ll think purpose is something you need to chase – a career, a title, a plan. It’s not. Purpose will find you when you stop running from the parts of yourself that feel “too much” or “not enough”. One day, you’ll be standing over a broken animal, hands shaking, heart shattered, and in that moment, you’ll remember who you are. Stay wild. Stay soft. Love hard. And trust that everything you go through is preparing you to show up … not perfect, but powerfully present, for the voiceless.”Â
What lesson did life teach you the hard way?
“Life taught me that not everyone you help will be grateful. Some will criticise, some will misunderstand, and sometimes, you’ll question yourself. I learned the hard way that service without ego means letting go of applause. That true impact isn’t always visible, and the work that breaks your heart may also heal it.”Â
Aritha-Etta Aleka
What is one piece of advice you now live by that your younger self would’ve rolled her eyes at?
“How you do anything is how you do everything. Young me would’ve scoffed, rolled her eyes, and mumbled something about overthinking a snack break. But now? I see how showing up with intention in the small things overflows into the big stuff – from brushing my teeth to building a business. Turns out, consistency and values aren’t boring. They’re powerful.”Â
What’s one moment you realised your own strength?
“Losing my first pregnancy was a silent kind of heartbreak – one that left me questioning my body, my faith, and my voice. But in the quiet aftermath, I found an unexpected strength. I leaned into learning about the female body, hormones, and healing. I began to speak from that space – raw, real, and informed. That loss didn’t break me; it birthed a deeper empathy and shaped the woman and speaker I am today.”
Lorinda Scott
If you could pass on just one life lesson to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that nothing truly comes easily. Significant achievements require diligence, effort, and perseverance. The truth is, though, that when you commit yourself fully, success inevitably follows. So, keep pushing forward, trust your instincts completely, and be bold. Take those calculated risks, trusting all the way that those less conventional ideas and paths often lead to the best rewards. Trust yourself, meticulously plan your steps, including “the back up plan”, and then confidently pursue your goals. Most importantly, never allow anyone to dictate how you should live your life. The most authentic and fulfilling version of yourself is the one that you intrinsically know is right for you.
What part of your life journey are you most proud of – even if nobody else saw it?
I am most proud of the family I have nurtured and built, acknowledging the journey from my origins to the family that continues to grow. The not-so-easy choices I made along the way to be all-in, embracing a less conventional version of a modern woman, have ultimately brought me the most joy and satisfaction in my life.Â
As each woman’s story unfolded, a common thread emerged – not of perfection, but of presence. Choosing self-respect over approval, inner peace over performance. It’s the quiet power of knowing who you are, even when the world tries to convince you otherwise. These women reminded us that the most radical thing you can do is show up as your whole self – flaws, fire, softness and all – and keep going. Not despite who you are, but because of it.
So, what does being unapologetically yourself mean to you?Â
