INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
Women Empowering Women.
An ode to all the inspiring creative women in Cardiff.
The female figure has always played a significant role in my life. Coming from a predominantly female family, I believe that the influence of women has subtly shaped my work. I've long admired women for their beauty, courage, and presence.
While I've never explicitly labeled myself a feminist, as I consider it inherent to my identity as a woman, my professional journey has allowed me to collaborate with and admire inspirational women. They've not only influenced me but also contributed to shaping the person I am today.
I take pride in my personal growth, a journey made possible by the invaluable support of my mother. She epitomizes qualities such as bravery, strength, intelligence, resilience, empathy, wisdom, and courage.
Embracing my differences has been a crucial aspect of my personal evolution. Even seemingly trivial matters, like my dislike for my nose, gained significance in school where not conforming to beauty standards made me perceive my uniqueness as a flaw. Thankfully, embracing my individuality led me to connect with other girls who faced similar discrimination, offering invaluable life lessons.
My university years brought about feelings of inferiority, especially in comparison to my exceptionally talented classmates. I questioned my chosen career path, fearing disappointment and grappling with guilt for not pursuing a more conventional and stable route.
Guilt, a societal construct designed to burden us, has unfortunately been a common experience for many women, myself included. Despite facing traumatic experiences, I've emerged as a survivor and a warrior. Although these experiences don't define me as a woman, they have left a profound impact on my life, occasionally triggering lingering feelings of guilt.
Growing up, women often grapple with pervasive guilt for numerous aspects of their lives. Whether it's for being too different, not conforming to societal beauty norms, or making unconventional life choices, the desire for freedom and self-expression is met with societal expectations, fostering feelings of guilt. The pressure to conform to predefined roles persists.
During my time in Cardiff, I had the privilege of encountering extraordinary women who demonstrated a deep passion for their work. They not only motivated me to persist in my artistic journey but also assumed roles as mentors in my life. The lessons learned in Cardiff reinforced the notion that women are more than enough, capable of achieving great heights.
This is an ode to all these remarkable women who have imparted values such as strength, perseverance, humility, empathy, elegance, determination, sisterhood, creativity, and respect, among many others.
Today, as we celebrate ourselves—free and unafraid to express in a world that has historically silenced us—we also stand in solidarity with our Palestinian sisters. Today and every day, we are proud of being women, and we extend our unwavering support to the brave women in Palestine.
In a world that often tries to quiet our voices, we amplify them together.
Cheers to all of us!
Special shoutout to: Yousra Esladig, Jerono Turgo, Nahal Namvari, Eugenia Marín, Jenna Kearns, Mali Haf, Adjua, Manon, Elan Gwen, Melda Lois, Anna Fiteni, Mari Mathias, Samantha Drees, Julia & Sarah Valentine, Gillie and all the creative women in Cardiff.
Thank you for reading!
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